Israel Warns 2.4 Million Flights Face Cancellation as 72 US Tankers Jam Ben Gurion
Updated
Updated · Xinhua · Jun 14
Israel Warns 2.4 Million Flights Face Cancellation as 72 US Tankers Jam Ben Gurion
3 articles · Updated · Xinhua · Jun 14
Summary
72 U.S. military refueling planes parked at Ben Gurion are occupying more than half the airport’s parking capacity, prompting Transport Minister Miri Regev to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for immediate action.
Tuesday is the deadline Regev set: unless at least half the tankers are moved, Israeli airlines would have to tell passengers that more than 2.4 million tickets sold for summer and the Jewish holidays will be canceled.
Billions of shekels in direct damage could hit airlines, tourism and the broader economy, while Israel’s standing as an aviation destination could also suffer, Regev said.
Regev rejected shifting the aircraft to neighboring countries and instead proposed moving them to Israeli Air Force bases, arguing that would ease congestion without hurting strategic ties with Washington.