Israel Airports Authority Demands Removal of US Refueling Jets by 2026
The Israel Airports Authority has demanded the U.S. Air Force remove 19 refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport by late 2026 to accommodate rising civilian traffic, issuing a similar ultimatum for Ramon Airport.
The Israel Airports Authority has demanded the complete removal of 19 U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft currently stationed at Ben Gurion International Airport by the end of 2026. In a letter sent last week to the Ministry of Defense, Authority CEO Sharon Kedmi stated that the continued operational activity of the American partner from civilian airports is no longer sustainable in its current format due to the aviation sector returning to pre-war traffic volumes.
Impact on Commercial Aviation
Kedmi acknowledged the strategic and security importance of the U.S. presence, but emphasized that civilian recovery makes the current arrangement untenable. According to Authority data, passenger traffic at Ben Gurion is projected to reach record 2019 levels by 2027, requiring full utilization of all parking stands, takeoff slots, and landing windows for civilian flights. Kedmi warned that failure to relocate the aircraft by the deadline would force the Authority to implement schedule adjustments, potentially including the reduction or cancellation of commercial flights.
The continued stationing of refueling aircraft beyond the required date may necessitate schedule adjustments, including the reduction or cancellation of commercial flights, with all resulting operational, public, economic, and legal consequences.
Ultimatum at Ramon Airport
Simultaneously, the Airports Authority issued an ultimatum regarding operations at Ramon Airport near Eilat. Starting November 1, 2026, the airport will return to a strictly civilian routine and cease regular operations during nighttime hours. The Authority noted that it currently bears the sole financial burden for security, maintenance, and operational costs associated with the American presence at Ramon, demanding a formal financial and contractual agreement to regulate any future presence.
Precedent of Summer Disruptions
The current directive follows months of severe operational disruptions caused by the military presence. In August, following pressure from Minister of Transport Miri Regev, the U.S. Air Force began a partial evacuation of its aircraft to manage peak summer traffic when over 2.6 million passengers passed through Ben Gurion. Limited parking stands for civilian aircraft previously resulted in lengthy delays, including one flight that was postponed by 12 hours and split into two separate aircraft.
