Travelers planning to fly during the bein hazemanim vacation period can expect flights to continue as scheduled, according to Israel Airports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Yiftach Ron-Tal, who said Israel’s airspace will remain open even if the security situation deteriorates.

Speaking Wednesday in an interview on Kan News’ Bachatzi Hayom program, Ron-Tal rejected concerns that additional American aerial refueling aircraft arriving in Israel could disrupt operations at Ben Gurion Airport. His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over a possible escalation involving Iran.

“I’m pleased that there is a policy that was updated just two days ago by the transportation minister, and I agree with it 1,000%,” Ron-Tal said. “There is absolutely no intention of closing the airspace of the State of Israel, even under the sensitive strategic and security circumstances in which we currently find ourselves.”

Ron-Tal’s remarks directly contradict comments made just one day earlier by Israel Airports Authority Director General Sharon Kedmi, who warned during the same program that Ben Gurion Airport would be unable to maintain its full flight schedule if additional U.S. refueling aircraft were stationed there.

“We can’t accommodate even one more refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. If one more arrives, we’ll have to begin canceling flights,” Kedmi said.

Ron-Tal, however, painted a far more optimistic picture, saying airport officials are determined to keep Israel’s skies open during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

“We will do everything in our power to keep the skies over the State of Israel open during a season that is so important to the Israeli public,” he said. “I’ll go even further than that—every day that passes is setting new records this year.”

The Airports Authority chairman said Ben Gurion Airport is already handling approximately 90,000 passengers per day and emphasized that all operations are being carried out in close coordination with Israel’s defense establishment.

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

The surge reflects the continued recovery of Israel’s aviation industry following Operation Rising Lion. Terminal 1 has reopened for international flights, and airport officials say traffic is steadily returning to normal. Approximately 230,000 international passengers are expected to travel through Terminal 1 during July alone.

Ron-Tal stressed that his position is fully aligned with the Transportation Ministry’s policy of keeping Israel’s airspace open. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has previously stated that the government is committed to maintaining open skies throughout the summer travel season while meeting the growing demand for flights to and from Israel.

Government preparations have included intensive coordination with all relevant agencies, including relocating some American military aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport to create additional capacity for commercial flights during the busy summer season.

The government has also approved an exceptional compensation package of up to 55 million shekels for Israeli airlines to offset losses incurred from empty flights they were required to operate during Operation Rising Lion.

Officials say the strong passenger numbers demonstrate renewed confidence in Israel’s aviation sector among both the traveling public and international airlines. Numerous foreign carriers have resumed regular service to Ben Gurion Airport, and Israelis are once again flying in numbers not seen since the outbreak of the war.

In recent days, Ben Gurion has repeatedly set new post-war passenger records. Last Thursday alone, approximately 85,000 travelers passed through the airport on arriving and departing international flights—the highest daily total since the start of Operation Rising Lion.

{Matzav.com}