Eilat Flights Face Suspension as U.S. Tanker Deployment Expands

Israel is weighing suspension of all domestic flights between Eilat and Ben Gurion or Haifa as it prepares for more U.S. aerial refueling aircraft supporting operations against Iran. The reported contingency could turn Ramon Airport into a full military facility for U.S. forces. Ben Gurion currently hosts 33 American tankers and Ramon 28; aviation officials assess that reaching 40 tankers at Ben Gurion would force civilian cancellations. Ending the routes would affect Eilat residents who rely on them for work and medical treatment, while earlier planning sought to avoid cancellations through operational coordination.