Massive delays at Ben-Gurion partially due to presence of US refueling tankers, authority admits

Ben-Gurion Airport experienced significant delays on Friday morning, with the Israeli Airport Authority attributing the congestion partly to the presence of US refueling planes. The authority also cited traffic congestion and restrictions in European airspace, particularly Greece, as contributing factors. Approximately 90,000 travelers were expected that day, leading to about 90 flights accumulating within a three-hour period, which impacted baggage handling. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed the delays were not due to a strike and stated efforts were underway to normalize operations.