As the busy bein hazmanim travel season reaches its peak, aviation officials are warning that flight disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport could worsen in the coming days, with additional delays—and even last-minute schedule changes or cancellations—becoming increasingly possible.

As Matzav previously reported, security officials estimate that roughly 10 more U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft are expected to arrive in Israel in the near future, with most of them likely to be stationed at Ben Gurion Airport.

More than 30 American refueling aircraft are already parked at the airport. In the past, the Israel Airports Authority warned that even the presence of more than 20 aircraft of this type could significantly disrupt airport operations. This week, travelers have already begun experiencing the impact.

According to Ben Gurion Airport’s congestion index, average delays this week reached approximately 65 minutes at Terminal 3 and about 61 minutes at Terminal 1. On Thursday alone, more than 90,000 passengers passed through the airport, creating exceptionally heavy congestion.

Passengers also reported lengthy waits to retrieve their luggage, with some waiting more than two hours before their bags arrived.

In an unusual public statement, the Israel Airports Authority said the large number of military refueling aircraft has created substantial operational challenges. Officials described the situation as a “domino effect” that is slowing airport operations and disrupting flight schedules at one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Authorities are now concerned that the arrival of additional military aircraft could further strain airport operations, leading to more delays and even last-minute changes to flight schedules.

For the many families traveling during bein hazmanim, that could mean extended waits, gate changes, delayed departures, or even canceled flights.

The airport has also been dealing with unrelated operational challenges. Earlier this week, officials reported a communications failure involving an air traffic radar system in Greek airspace, creating congestion in regional air traffic that affected flights to and from Israel.

The Israel Airports Authority is urging travelers to check directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport, arrive well in advance of their scheduled departure times, and be prepared for the possibility of additional delays over the coming days.