As many as 50,000 airline tickets could be canceled during July after the United States halted the evacuation of its refueling aircraft currently stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport, prompting Israeli aviation officials to warn of significant disruptions to airport operations, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Israel Airports Authority Director-General Sharon Kedmi issued a letter expressing alarm over the American decision, warning that the continued presence of the military aircraft could have an immediate impact on civilian aviation. “This delay has immediate and serious operational consequences,” he stated.

Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken said additional U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft would not be allowed to land at Ben-Gurion Airport. According to reports, Israeli air traffic controllers have also been instructed not to authorize the landing of any further American refueling planes.

Emphasizing the need to protect commercial air travel, Ben Zaken said, “Citizens cannot be harmed; the Defense Ministry must find solutions.”

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the freeze remains in effect despite growing concerns raised by Israeli officials.

At the same time, N12 reported that four additional American refueling aircraft recently landed at Ben-Gurion Airport after arriving from Gulf states that have recently come under Iranian attack.

Later Tuesday, additional reports indicated that another U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft had arrived in Israel.

Responding to those reports, Israel’s Transportation Ministry clarified that the latest aircraft was not remaining at the airport. “The refueling aircraft that landed at Ben Gurion Airport in the last few minutes landed for refueling purposes only and not for parking purposes, precisely and in accordance with the instructions of the Transport Minister,” the ministry said.

{Matzav.com}