Air India Halts Tel Aviv Flights After Missile Strike
An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted mid-air to Abu Dhabi after a missile strike near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on May 4. The flight, AI139, a Boeing 787 aircraft, was within an hour of its destination when the crew received alerts of a security incident near the Israeli airspace. The missile, launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, struck close to the airport terminal, prompting immediate diversion of inbound flights.
The Air India flight was rerouted while flying over Jordanian airspace and landed safely in Abu Dhabi. All passengers and crew were unharmed, and the aircraft is expected to return to Delhi. In the wake of the incident, Air India has suspended all operations to and from Tel Aviv until May 6. Passengers booked on affected flights have been offered one-time rescheduling waivers or full refunds.
Air India stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority. The airline is closely monitoring the security situation in the region and will take further action as necessary.
The missile strike caused eight injuries and created a crater within the secure perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport, marking a significant breach of what is usually one of the most heavily defended airspaces. The Israeli missile defense systems, including the US-supplied Arrow and THAAD systems, failed to intercept the projectile, sparking concern over the reliability of these systems under live threat conditions.
Following the incident, several other international carriers also suspended flights to Tel Aviv, with global aviation authorities issuing warnings for commercial airliners to exercise extreme caution over Israeli airspace. The Houthi rebels have openly claimed responsibility for the attack, warning that Israel’s primary airport is now a “legitimate target” and that more such strikes could follow.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed strong retaliation against those responsible, calling the strike a red line and accusing Iran of backing the Houthis. The Israeli military has launched an internal review of the missile defense lapse and is preparing a strategic response.
Passengers stranded in Abu Dhabi, including some with medical needs, have expressed frustration at the uncertainty and lack of immediate assistance. Air India is coordinating with local authorities to provide necessary support to those affected.
As tensions escalate in the region, the missile strike has underlined the growing reach of regional militant groups and their ability to disrupt international civil aviation.
