US refueling aircraft to be moved from Ben-Gurion amid flight disruption fears
US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft are parked at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026. (photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90) Approximately half of the US refueling aircraft currently stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport are expected to be relocated to Israel Air Force bases to reduce the risk of flight disruptions during the summer travel season, Maariv learned on Sunday. Additionally, parking spaces at other airfields, including Megiddo, will be cleared for use by the Israel Air Force. The operation is being managed by National Security Council Director Shmuel Ben-Ezra, and the relocation plan is expected to be finalized in the coming days. The aircraft are anticipated to remain at Ben-Gurion Airport at least until the end of 2027. However, their presence, along with the US military personnel required to operate them, has already caused significant logistical challenges for the airport.