Some global carriers, such as Air India, grounded flights to and from Tel Aviv on Sunday after a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit within the boundary of Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international hub. The missile, fired in sympathy with Palestinians as part of the conflict in Gaza, hit the vicinity of the airport and shot up a column of smoke. There were panic scenes with passengers screaming, yelling, and scrambling to get away.
The Israeli ambulance service has verified that eight people were hospitalized, one of them a man in mild to moderate condition, as reported.
Airlines React Quickly to Security Threats
Airlines worldwide reacted promptly by suspending flights in and out of Tel Aviv. Air India said its flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv would be suspended through May 6. Thus, our operations to and from Tel Aviv will continue to be suspended with immediate effect until 6 May 2025, for the safety of our customers and employees. Our employees on the ground are helping customers and making alternative arrangements,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group, which operates airlines such as Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines, also suspended flights until May 6, referring to the “current situation.”
British Airways then followed suit, suspending all Tel Aviv flights until May 7. “We regularly review operating conditions and have decided to suspend all of our flights to and from Tel Aviv, up to and including BA405 on Wednesday, 7 May,” the airline said in a statement to AFP. Delta Air Lines also suspended its flights to Tel Aviv as a reaction to the incident.
Missile Lands Near Terminal, Causes Crater
Israeli officials reported that air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily suspended following the missile firing. Senior Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni took journalists to the site of the impact, where he pointed out a crater beside a road near the parking lot of Terminal 3.
“You can see the scene right behind us here, a hole which opened up with tens of metres diameter and also tens of metres deep,” Hetzroni added, saying there was no serious damage to airport infrastructure.
Houthi Rebels Take Responsibility
The Houthi rebels, who have repeatedly attacked Israel during the conflict in Gaza, said they conducted the attack. In a video message carried by the Associated Press, the rebels explained that they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at the airport.
Their action is coming against a backdrop of increased regional tension and is part of the continued campaign by the group in support of Palestinians.
Israel Vows Retaliation for Attack
As a reaction to the missile attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made a stern warning. “Anyone who hurts us, we will hurt them seven times over,” Katz said, highlighting Israel’s determination to strike back at those attacking its civilian facilities.
Flight Operations Under Review Amid Ongoing Security Threats
Israeli authorities confirmed air traffic and airport activity would be reinstated after the final security clearance was given. Nevertheless, international carriers continue to weigh risks before resuming Tel Aviv flights.
The missile incident has put another level of tension on the already ongoing conflict and has disrupted global travel to and from Israel immensely.
