TEL AVIV: A senior Israeli aviation official warned that Ben Gurion Airport has effectively turned into a “US military base,” raising concerns over civilian aviation disruptions and financial pressure on Israeli airlines.
According to the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Civil Aviation Authority chief Shmuel Zakay raised the issue during discussions with Transportation Minister Miri Regev and ministry officials on Monday.
Zakay stated that growing US military activity at Israel’s main international airport has delayed the return of foreign airlines and increased ticket prices ahead of the summer travel season. He also warned that the situation threatens the financial stability of local carriers.
Furthermore, Zakay said Iranian retaliatory operations following US-Israeli strikes against Iran significantly disrupted civilian air traffic. Consequently, several Israeli airlines relocated aircraft abroad, while many planes have not yet returned to Israel.
He argued that military authorities underestimated the impact on passengers, airline operations, and airfare costs. According to Zakay, Ben Gurion Airport currently operates with limited civilian activity because of expanding military use.
Meanwhile, he cautioned that smaller Israeli airlines, including Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, face serious financial risks due to rising operational expenses, fuel costs, and increasing demand for flights.
Zakay also called for transferring US military aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport to designated military bases. He emphasized that the current arrangement negatively affects airlines as well as Israeli travelers.
Separately, Israir CEO Uri Sirkis informed the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee that authorities now allow the airline to keep only four aircraft overnight at the airport instead of its usual 17. He said the restrictions have reduced flight capacity and increased ticket prices.
In recent weeks, Israeli media published images reportedly showing dozens of US military aircraft stationed at the airport amid continued regional tensions involving Iran and Israel.
