Key Points
- An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi after a Houthi missile struck near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway.
- The missile, launched from Yemen, landed just an hour before the Air India flight’s scheduled arrival, injuring at least six to eight people and causing temporary chaos and suspension of flights at the airport.
- Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including US-made THAAD and the Arrow system, failed to intercept the missile.
- Air India and several major airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv for several days following the attack.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz have vowed a forceful, multi-phased retaliation against the Houthis, with emergency security meetings convened in response.
New Delhi: A major security incident unfolded on Sunday morning as a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, forcing an Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv to divert to Abu Dhabi just an hour before its scheduled landing. The attack, which injured at least six to eight people and caused significant panic and disruption, has triggered a wave of flight suspensions by major international carriers and raised new concerns about air safety in the region.
Timeline of the Incident
- Missile Strike: The missile, launched from Yemen, hit the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport, damaging a roadway and a vehicle, and sending a plume of black smoke into the air. Sirens sounded across central Israel, and passengers and staff at the airport sought shelter as chaos briefly erupted.
- Air India Diversion: Air India flight AI139, a Boeing 787 with over 100 passengers, was approaching Tel Aviv when the missile struck. While flying over Jordanian airspace, the crew diverted the aircraft to Abu Dhabi, where it landed safely. The return leg to Delhi was cancelled, and all Air India flights to and from Tel Aviv are now suspended until at least May 6.
- Flight Suspensions: In addition to Air India, Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta, and several other carriers have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, with cancellations extending into the coming week.
Impact and Response
- Airport Operations: Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s busiest and most critical international hub, suspended all takeoffs and landings for about an hour. Train and road access to the airport were also temporarily halted as emergency services responded.
- Injuries and Damage: At least six to eight people were injured, with several hospitalized. The missile created a large crater near Terminal 3, just hundreds of meters from the main tarmac, but no direct damage to airport infrastructure was reported.
- Defense System Failure: The missile bypassed multiple layers of Israel’s advanced air defense, including the US-made THAAD and Israel’s Arrow system, raising concerns about the country’s vulnerability to long-range attacks.
- Houthi Warning: Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared in a televised address that Ben Gurion Airport is “no longer safe for air travel,” warning airlines of further risks.
Political and Security Fallout
- Israeli Retaliation Promised: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have vowed a powerful response. Netanyahu stated, “It’s not a one-and-done. There will be blows,” signaling a series of retaliatory strikes. Katz echoed, “Whoever harms us, we will hit them seven times stronger”.
- Emergency Meetings: Netanyahu convened an urgent security meeting with top defense officials to discuss Israel’s response. The incident comes as Israel weighs expanding military operations in Gaza and mobilizing thousands of reservists.
- Regional Tensions: The missile strike marks the first time a Houthi projectile has landed so close to Israel’s main airport, highlighting the expanding reach of the Iran-backed group and the growing risks to international aviation in the Middle East.
Passenger Support and Airline Measures
- Air India and other carriers are offering waivers and full refunds for affected passengers. Air India emphasized that “the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority,” with ground staff assisting travelers in rebooking or arranging alternative flights.
The missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport is a stark reminder of the volatile security environment in the region. With Israel vowing a robust military response and airlines suspending flights, travelers are urged to stay updated on the latest advisories as the situation develops.
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