U.S. Military Aircraft Spark Debate at Ben Gurion Airport
Shmuel Zakai, head of the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, stated that U.S. military aircraft are negatively affecting civilian operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
According to Zakai, the airport has “effectively turned into an American military base” due to the current situation. Aircraft belonging to the U.S. Armed Forces are reportedly occupying parking positions at the airport, causing disruptions to civilian flight operations.
Meanwhile, several aircraft belonging to Israeli airlines are still parked in Cyprus, creating additional costs reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars for the carriers.
Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev had previously criticized airlines over high ticket prices, while airlines are seeking compensation from the government due to being forced to park aircraft abroad.
