US, Iran conflict could force Ben-Gurion Airport to cancel 30 flights daily through summer - report

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsN12 reported that if seven more American refueling planes were added to Ben-Gurion Airport, bringing the total number to 40, the airport would be forced to cancel 30 flights a day from August 1.Follow us on GoogleAmerican aircraft take off from Ben Gurion airport, during the Israel/US war with Iran, March 04, 2026.(photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)ByESTHER DAVISJULY 21, 2026 03:52Updated: JULY 21, 2026 07:22The escalating conflict between the US and Iran could cause 30 Israeli passenger flights to be canceled each day without Iran even firing at Israel, according to a Monday N12 News report.An emergency meeting was held at Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday, attended by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the directors-general of the Transportation Ministry and the Israel Airports Authority, and other professionals.They determined that the number of American refueling planes at Israeli airports could lead to flight cancellations during one of the airports' busiest periods.N12 reported that if seven more US military refueling planes were added to Ben-Gurion Airport, bringing the total number to 40, the airport would be forced to cancel 30 flights a day from August 1.This would leave approximately 5,000 passengers without flights each day.US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft are parked at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026 (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)Refueling aircraft expected to relocate by July 21Other Israeli airports are also under increasing strain from US refueling aircraft, as Ilan and Asaf Ramon Airport, Eilat, is currently hosting 28 American planes, with more than 10 additional refueling aircraft stationed at Israel Air Force bases across the country.Last week, the Transport Ministry announced that the number of US refueling aircraft at Ben-Gurion Airport would be reduced to 20 by July 21, the number agreed upon by the relevant parties, with the remaining aircraft being transferred to IDF bases designated by the Defense Ministry.The Transportation Ministry said the move would allow necessary military operations to continue while preserving aviation continuity and minimizing disruptions and cancellations, particularly during the busy summer travel season, when tens of thousands of Israelis are expected to fly abroad.Reports from N12 on Monday suggest that the Transportation Ministry no longer expects the US to relocate the refuelers and is instead planning for the arrival of more.Follow us on Google