On 4 May 2025, a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck near Terminal 3 of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, injuring eight people and triggering a brief halt in air traffic. The missile evaded interception by Israeli and U.S. defence systems, prompting international airlines to reassess flight safety to the region.
Airlines cancel flights amid security concerns
While Ben Gurion Airport has since resumed normal operations, several international airlines remain cautious. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed that air, rail, and road traffic returned to normal approximately one hour after the missile landed. Despite this, the impact on global aviation remains evident.
British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates and Turkish Airlines suspended their flights to Tel Aviv for 24 to 72 hours. The Lufthansa Group, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS, extended its suspension through 6 May. United Airlines halted its New York–Tel Aviv service until 8 May. Wizz Air and Air India also suspended operations through midweek.
A missile by Yemeni Houthi rebels landed near Israel's main international airport and caused some panic among passengers, who were instructed to take shelter in secured spaces https://t.co/fgTnf0Jzli pic.twitter.com/PoTa3MKfcd
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 4, 2025
A Lufthansa spokesperson said: “We have a duty to ensure the highest safety standards for our passengers and crew, and given the current circumstances, that includes a temporary suspension of service.”
In contrast, Israeli airlines including El Al, Arkia and Israir maintained operations throughout, with El Al launching special rescue flights to assist stranded travellers. El Al’s stock rose following the incident, reflecting investor trust in the airline’s crisis management.
The Houthis successfully landed a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport.
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) May 4, 2025
A few Israeli civilians were injured.
Israel's response should be unprecedented.pic.twitter.com/7gVIjyRdJn
Netanyahu vows retaliation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded forcefully, accusing Iran of orchestrating the attack through its Houthi proxies. In a statement on X, he declared: “Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.”
He added in a separate video message: “We will do what we need to do to take care of our security, to respond effectively, and to give Iran due warning that this cannot continue.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reinforced this position, warning, “Whoever hits us will get hit sevenfold.”
Houthis threaten continued attacks
The Houthi movement took responsibility for the attack, citing it as retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. In a statement released after the strike, the group threatened to impose “a comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel by persistently targeting its airports.
Military analysts see this as a significant escalation in the group’s capabilities, with the ability to strike deep into Israeli territory. The failure of advanced defence systems like Israel’s Arrow and the U.S.-manufactured THAAD to intercept the missile has raised further questions about regional security readiness.
Operational but tense
Though Ben Gurion Airport is currently operational, international carriers remain wary of further threats. Aviation analysts predict that more airlines may adopt temporary suspensions or route diversions based on developments in the coming days.
Passengers are advised to monitor airline updates closely, as the situation remains fluid and subject to rapid changes.
