Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz said Tuesday that only a third of flights at Ben Gurion Airport depart on time, blaming US military aircraft for occupying parking spaces and reducing airline flexibility. In an interview with 103FM, as reported by Channel 12, he said the situation is unlikely to change.
In an interview with 103FM radio on Tuesday, Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz stated that only one-third of flights at Ben Gurion Airport are departing on time, blaming the presence of US military aircraft for occupying parking spaces and reducing airline flexibility. He added that the situation is unlikely to change.
The congestion at Ben Gurion due to US military aircraft has been a persistent issue in recent weeks. The Israel Airports Authority previously warned that up to 100,000 passenger tickets for July were at risk of cancellation due to a shortage of fuel trucks and parking space, as The Zioneer reported. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has also criticized the American presence, calling for the removal of the aircraft.
Berlovitz's remarks underscore the ongoing tension between maintaining military readiness and ensuring civilian aviation operates smoothly. No immediate solution has been announced, and the CEO suggested that the delays are likely to continue.
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