Ben Gurion Airport risks having to cancel scheduled flights if more American aerial refueling aircraft are stationed there, Israel Airports Authority Director General Sharon Kedmi has warned. He said the airport is operating at capacity.
In remarks to Kan Reshet Bet, Kedmi said airport officials are working to maintain commercial traffic despite current pressures. "We are doing everything to avoid canceling flights," Kedmi stated. "There are American refuelers here and in other places. We are in contact with the Air Force and everyone is doing their job."
Kedmi emphasized the airport has no spare capacity for additional refueling planes without disrupting civilian service. "We cannot allow even one more tanker into Ben Gurion Airport. If it does, we will start canceling flights. The public needs to prepare for cancellations and delays. We need to remember that this is a civilian airport."