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International Desk, May 4, 2025: A ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion, on Sunday morning, prompting a wave of flight cancellations by major global airlines.
The attack, which bypassed Israel’s advanced air defense systems, hit an area near Terminal 3, injuring at least six people, according to Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA).
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile was detected at approximately 9:18 AM local time, triggering air raid sirens across several regions. Despite multiple attempts to intercept the projectile, it struck within the airport’s perimeter, causing temporary suspension of all takeoffs and landings. The Israel Airports Authority later announced that operations resumed after about an hour, but the incident led to significant disruptions.
In response to the attack, several international airlines announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv. British Airways stated that all its flights to Ben Gurion Airport would remain canceled until May 7, citing safety concerns. Similarly, Air India, India’s private carrier, suspended its Tel Aviv services until May 6. In a statement, Air India emphasized the priority of passenger and crew safety, offering rescheduling waivers or full refunds for affected customers.
Germany’s Lufthansa Airlines also halted all flights to Tel Aviv until May 6, with its subsidiaries—Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines—following suit due to the volatile situation. Other carriers, including Air Europa, have also canceled flights to Israel for the coming days.
The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, with their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declaring that the missile was a “hypersonic ballistic missile” aimed at demonstrating their capability to strike sensitive Israeli targets. The group warned airlines that Ben Gurion Airport was “no longer safe for air travel.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed a severe retaliation, stating, “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.”
The attack marks a significant escalation in the Houthis’ campaign against Israel, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Israeli officials, including National Unity chairman Benny Gantz, attributed the attack to Iran, alleging that Tehran is orchestrating such strikes. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Israel’s air defense systems, including the Arrow and U.S.-provided THAAD, both of which failed to intercept the missile.
AI/MR
