Ballistic missile strike disrupts operations at Tel Aviv Airport

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.

The ballistic missile fired by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen a short while ago apparently impacted in the area of Ben Gurion Airport.The IDF says it fired interceptors at the Houthi missile, and is investigating the impact at the airport.There are no immediate reports of… pic.twitter.com/oCmasSxfOu— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) May 4, 2025According 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.”

#TravelAdvisoryConsequent to developments in Tel Aviv this morning, our operations to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended with immediate effect till 6th May 2025, to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Our colleagues on ground are assisting customers and helping…— Air India (@airindia) May 4, 2025Wizz 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.The post Ballistic missile strike disrupts operations at Tel Aviv Airport appeared first on AeroTime.

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