US tanker planes clog Israeli airport as 30 aircraft queue for refuelling

Israeli aviation authorities are warning of severe congestion at Ben Gurion Airport as more than 30 American military refuelling planes currently occupy the facility, with another 10 expected to arrive in the coming days. The influx of US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft has created unprecedented bottlenecks, with passengers experiencing average delays exceeding one hour and baggage claim waits of up to two hours.

The aircraft, which are being used to support American military operations in the region, are taking up significant runway and terminal capacity at Israel’s busiest airport. Security officials have flagged concerns that the situation will deteriorate further as the summer travel season reaches its peak, traditionally the busiest period for Israeli aviation.

Airport management has been coordinating with US military authorities to manage the throughflow of the tanker fleet, but the scale of the deployment has overwhelmed standard logistics procedures. The backlog is affecting both domestic and international flights, with knock-on delays spreading across the airport’s schedule.

Authorities are reportedly exploring additional ground handling measures and extended operating hours to alleviate the congestion, though officials acknowledge that significant disruptions are likely to continue until the American military presence at the facility is reduced.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.