US Aircraft Stationed in Israel Amid Iran Infrastructure Recovery

The United States has deployed F-22 fighter jets and numerous refueling and cargo aircraft across Israeli military bases and civilian airports. Stationed at Ovda Air Base, Ben Gurion, and Ramon airports since February, these forces were deployed during Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran. While Washington intends to keep the presence through the end of the year, officials plan to evacuate aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport to Europe within 72 hours if a formal ceasefire with Iran is signed.

This military presence has severely disrupted civilian aviation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel warned that Ben Gurion Airport has effectively become a military base, causing logistical bottlenecks and higher ticket prices. To ease congestion, some aircraft have moved to Lod Airbase, though they remain on standby to return if hostilities resume.

Simultaneously, Iran is restoring its critical infrastructure following an April 8 ceasefire mediated by Pakistan and extended by Donald Trump. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran announced that Tabriz International Airport will reopen this Wednesday after repairs by specialists. Tabriz is the final facility to return to service after the restoration of 20 other airports across the country that were disabled during the conflict.