Transportation Minister Miri Regev has directed that up to 20 US refueling aircraft be permitted at Ben Gurion Airport, according to Din Fisher (N12). Despite the directive, approximately 30 refuelers remain at the airport. The Transport Ministry has accused the Defense Ministry of failing to prepare for the return of fuel-truck operators, heightening the weeks-long dispute over the shortage threatening summer flight schedules.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev has directed that up to 20 US refueling aircraft be permitted at Ben Gurion Airport, according to Din Fisher (N12). Despite the directive, approximately 30 refuelers remain at the airport, exceeding the cap. The Transport Ministry subsequently accused the Defense Ministry of failing to prepare for the return of fuel-truck operators to Israel, labeling it a failure.
The directive, reported by The Zioneer at 13:36, came shortly after Ben Gurion Airport had barred additional US refueling aircraft due to congestion, as The Zioneer reported at 13:27. The Transport Ministry's accusation, published at 13:38, marks the latest clash in an ongoing dispute over the fuel-truck shortage.
The shortage has threatened summer flight schedules for weeks. Earlier this month, airport officials warned of up to 500 flight cancellations, though a solution was subsequently announced. The current numbers suggest the issue remains unresolved.
The cap of 20 refuelers may reduce congestion, but the presence of 30 refuelers and the inter-ministerial blame game indicate the problem is not yet settled. The impact on the upcoming summer travel season remains to be seen.
11 developments
- DevelopingBen Gurion Airport warns: 500 flights at risk of cancellation unless 15 fuel trucks are added
- DevelopingAirport chief warns 100,000 July passenger tickets at risk of cancellation
- DevelopingEinav Kerner: Tens of thousands of Ben Gurion tickets at risk of immediate cancellation due to delayed US fleet evacuation
- DevelopingUS expected to relocate 20% of refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion; reports do not confirm 32-aircraft withdrawal
Source and signal
- Internal intake