07.08.2026 01:30
While conflicts and military activity in the region continue at full pace, an unexpected crisis has erupted at Israel's main aviation hub, Ben Gurion Airport. Giant aerial refueling aircraft belonging to the US Air Force stationed at the airport have begun to be evacuated from the apron due to civilian travel traffic being blocked. Following warnings from civil aviation authorities that 'operations have reached a standstill point,' part of the military fleet is being removed from the field.
The reason behind the US Air Force beginning to withdraw its aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is not the end of conflicts in the region, but rather the record passenger pressure in civil aviation. Following a request from civil transportation authorities to protect commercial flight traffic, some of the military aircraft have begun to be evacuated from the apron.
According to N12's report, although the departure of military units coincides with expectations for a diplomatic agreement and security dynamics, the main reason is to prevent the risk of an operational crisis at the airport.
ISRAEL SAID "GO"
Israel's Transportation Minister Miri Regev requested the withdrawal of military refueling aircraft to prevent disruptions during the airport's busiest season. The airport management estimates that more than 2.6 million passengers will pass through the facility in August; this means the highest traffic recorded since October 7.
MAKING ROOM ON THE RUNWAYS BEFORE RECORD DENSITY
At Ben Gurion, where an average of 100,000 passengers will pass daily, density is expected to peak especially on Thursday and Monday, August 17. With the departure of the US strategic refueling fleet from the area, the aim is to provide critical relief in runway and apron capacity for commercial flights entering the busiest travel period.