Israel Airports Authority Chairman Yiftach Ron-Tal said on Wednesday that there will be no flight cancellations at Ben Gurion Airport, even if additional US refueling aircraft arrive in Israel.

Speaking to Kan News amid concerns about a possible escalation with Iran, Ron-Tal said: “Fortunately, there is a policy that was updated just two days ago by the Transportation Minister, and I agree with it a thousand percent. There’s absolutely no intention of closing Israel’s airspace, even in the sensitive strategic and security situation we are currently facing.”

Ron-Tal’s remarks directly contradict statements made yesterday by Israel Airports Authority CEO Sharon Kedmi, who warned that Ben Gurion Airport would not be able to operate all scheduled flights if it were required to accommodate additional American refueling aircraft.

“We can’t fit even one more refueling aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport. If another one comes in, we’ll have to start canceling flights,” he said.

Ron-Tal, however, presented a very different picture. “We will do everything in our power to keep Israel’s skies open during a season that is so important to the Israeli public,” he emphasized.

According to Airports Authority data, more than two million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport during July, representing an approximately 25% increase compared to the same period last year.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)