Flight disruptions expected to drop as US Air Force begins redeployment from Israel

The redeployment of U.S. Air Force refueling tankers and transport aircraft from Ben Gurion International Airport and Ramon International Airport is expected to ease pressure on Israel's aviation sector just as the busy summer travel season begins.

The Israel Airports Authority said on Tuesday that the removal of U.S. military aircraft stationed in Israel during the conflict with Iran will free up space at Ben Gurion Airport and significantly reduce expected flight cancellations and disruptions during the summer travel season and upcoming Jewish High Holidays.

Hundreds of thousands of flight tickets are still expected to be canceled or rescheduled, but that figure is considerably lower than the 2.4 million tickets airlines expected to have to adjust just a few days ago.

The redeployment of U.S. military aircraft, equipment, and personnel could begin as early as this weekend, freeing up valuable space and resources for civilian carriers.

Officials say the initial phase could involve as many as 20 of the 75 refueling and transport aircraft that have been parked in Israel since early February.

“We are already down to several hundred thousand flight cancellations in July,” Israel Airports Authority director general Sharon Kedmi told Ynet on Tuesday morning.

Even so, he said additional aircraft will need to be removed before the full impact on summer travel can be minimized:

“But more effort will be needed to remove more and more dozens of aircraft from the American fleet that are still parked at Ben Gurion Airport with no expected evacuation date, so we can continue reducing as much as possible the expected impact on the peak summer season for Israelis flying abroad.”

The development is also being closely watched by Israel's tourism sector, which has suffered significant losses during more than two and a half years of regional conflict following the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, 2023.

Tour companies, private guides, hotels, and other businesses dependent on international visitors have reported steep declines in revenue.

Private Israeli guide Daniel Hermon highlighted the opportunities for visitors in a message posted on his website, arguing that periods of conflict can provide a more authentic glimpse into Israeli society and daily life.

“Life in Israel doesn’t pause when tensions rise; people continue to enjoy movies, dine out, and celebrate family events. As a visitor, you’ll witness this vibrant spirit firsthand, experiencing a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of the Israeli people,” he wrote.

Hermon also noted that lower tourism levels can make major sites easier to visit:

“Moreover, during times of conflict, tourism often declines, resulting in fewer crowds at popular sites. This presents an opportunity to explore iconic locations like Jerusalem or Nazareth with more space and time, free from the usual high volume of tourists.”

At the same time, he said visitors who choose to travel to Israel during difficult periods are often warmly received by locals:

“But above all, showing support by visiting during challenging times is deeply meaningful to Israelis, and you’ll undoubtedly experience their appreciation and warmth!”

Elsewhere on his website, Hermon addressed what he describes as disproportionate media attention on Israel, arguing that the country's religious and historical significance attracts intense international coverage.

“Cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth hold immense historical and religious significance, making any incident in these areas newsworthy on a global scale, even if the events themselves are minor,” he wrote.

Hermon also argued that Israel's open media environment can contribute to an inaccurate perception of the security situation.

“Additionally, Israel’s status as a democratic country with a free press allows for easy access for journalists, sometimes leading to over-reporting and a skewed perception of the country’s overall safety," he said.