Ben Gurion Airport may soon be forced to cancel civilian flights if additional U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are stationed at the airport, Israel Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kadmi warned Tuesday.

Speaking to Kan Reshet Bet, Kadmi said the airport has reached its operational capacity and cannot accommodate any more American tanker aircraft without disrupting commercial aviation.

“We’re doing everything possible to avoid canceling flights,” Kadmi said. “There are American tankers here and at other locations. We’re coordinating with the Israeli Air Force, and everyone is doing their job.”

He added, “We cannot bring in even one more tanker aircraft to Ben Gurion Airport. If another one arrives, we’ll begin canceling flights. The public should prepare for cancellations and delays. We have to remember this is a civilian airport.”

Last week, Transportation Minister Miri Regev lifted a previous restriction on U.S. tanker aircraft landing at Ben Gurion. However, the Transportation Ministry said the number of tankers parked at the airport would be limited under an agreement with U.S. and Israeli defense officials, with additional aircraft being relocated to Israeli Air Force bases in order to preserve civilian flight operations.

The warning comes after the United States informed Israel last week that it plans to expand its regional deployment by sending additional refueling aircraft to support potential military operations against Iran.

Despite efforts to maintain normal airport operations, Israeli security officials have made clear that if tensions with Iran escalate further, military requirements will take precedence over civilian air travel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)