A ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport (TLV). The incident caused widespread panic, a temporary suspension of air traffic, and the cancellation of dozens of flights.
The missile attack happened on the morning of May 4, 2025. It landed near a road close to Terminal 3, sending a large plume of smoke into the air. Emergency sirens were triggered across central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
At least six people were light to moderately injured, The Times of Israel reported. Airport security quickly sealed off the impact area. Flights were grounded, and passengers rushed to take cover.
According to the Israel Airports Authority, takeoffs and landings were halted for nearly an hour. Police also closed access roads to the airport as bomb squads searched for debris and hazardous materials. Airport operations gradually resumed later in the day. However, many international flights were still disrupted due to safety concerns.
Air India was one of the first airlines to respond. Flight AI139, a Boeing 787 from Delhi to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Abu Dhabi. The airline later announced it would suspend all flights to and from Tel Aviv until at least May 6 to ensure “the safety of [its] customers and staff.”
Wizz Air canceled flights to Israel for 48 hours. The airline said it was “closely monitoring the situation.”
Other affected airlines included Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Austrian Airlines, Air Europa, and Brussels Airlines. A Brussels Airlines flight scheduled for 3:15 p.m. was canceled. Air France passengers were removed from their aircraft in Paris before departure. Flights to U.S. airports such as JFK and Newark were delayed by up to 90 minutes.
Although the Israel Airports Authority later announced a return to normal operations, Ben-Gurion’s live air traffic data still showed irregular flight activity throughout the afternoon. Entrance routes to the airport remained partially closed as emergency crews continued their work.
The missile strike is a major escalation in the Houthis’ ongoing campaign. The group claims its attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
