Air India Suspends Tel Aviv Flights After Missile Strike Near Ben Gurion Airport
Air India has temporarily suspended its flight operations to and from Tel Aviv until May 6 following a missile attack near Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. The move comes after a missile fired by Yemen-based Houthi rebels struck near the airport’s main terminal, prompting immediate safety concerns.
The airline confirmed that flight AI139, which had departed from Delhi to Tel Aviv, was rerouted mid-air to Abu Dhabi in light of the unfolding security situation. The aircraft landed safely, and Air India announced that it would soon return to Delhi.
“At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our utmost priority,” the airline said in an official statement. “All flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended until May 6 as a precautionary measure.”
Passenger Support and Flexibility
Air India also assured that it is working to assist passengers affected by the sudden disruption. Those holding tickets between May 4 and May 6 will be allowed to reschedule their travel or cancel their bookings with a full refund and no additional charges.
The airline’s customer support teams have been mobilized to handle rebookings, cancellations, and address passenger concerns.
Attack Details and Regional Tensions
According to reports, the missile fired by Houthi forces landed near Ben Gurion Airport’s main terminal, resulting in injuries to four individuals. Although airport operations were briefly suspended, Israeli authorities later restored services, ensuring safety protocols were in place.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued a stark warning, stating that Ben Gurion Airport “is no longer safe” for air travel. The group, supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it an act of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid ongoing regional tensions.
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed retaliation, reportedly saying Israel would respond with “sevenfold strength” to any aggression.
Impact on Regional Aviation
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of civil aviation in conflict zones, particularly amid the escalation of Middle East tensions involving Israel, Iran, and affiliated proxy groups such as the Houthis.
Other international airlines are also expected to monitor the situation closely and reassess their flight paths or operations to and from Israel, should the security risk persist.
