Houthi Missile Attack Near Tel Aviv Airport Injures Three, Disrupts Flights

A missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen struck near Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The attack caused minor injuries and led to the temporary disruption of air traffic and ground transport, highlighting the expanding reach of regional hostilities.

The impact occurred in close proximity to Israel’s primary international gateway, prompting immediate safety measures that briefly halted both flights and commuter traffic accessing the facility. Eyewitness accounts and initial reports described a scene of panic near the impact zone as authorities responded.

Impact on Air Traffic and Infrastructure

The immediate consequence of the strike was the diversion of incoming flights. Among those affected was Air India flight AI139, a Boeing 787 en route from New Delhi to Tel Aviv. The aircraft, carrying passengers bound for Israel, was diverted to Abu Dhabi as the incident unfolded less than an hour before its scheduled landing time at Ben-Gurion. In response to the security incident, Air India subsequently announced the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv, stating services would not resume until May 6.

The physical evidence of the missile impact included a visible plume of smoke rising from the area and a large crater discovered near the access road leading to Terminal 3, the airport’s main international terminal. This proximity to critical infrastructure underscored the severity of the targeting.

The Human Toll

While there were no fatalities, the attack resulted in three individuals sustaining mild injuries. The injured were located near Terminal 3 at the time of the strike. They were identified as a 50-year-old man, a 54-year-old woman, and a 32-year-old woman. Reports indicate they were injured while seeking shelter during the incident. All three were promptly evacuated from the scene and transported to Shamir Medical Center for medical attention.

Official Response and Investigation

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attack and stated they are reviewing attempts made to intercept the projectile before it reached the vicinity of the airport. Israel has faced numerous long-range attacks claimed by the Houthis since the conflict in Gaza escalated, though strikes directly threatening major population centers or critical infrastructure like Ben-Gurion Airport are less frequent but carry significant weight.

Houthi Statement and Regional Context

The Houthi rebel group, which controls large parts of Yemen and has been targeting shipping in the Red Sea as well as launching drones and missiles towards Israel, claimed responsibility for the attack. A statement attributed to the rebels reiterated their intent to continue and potentially increase their strikes against Israel, framing them as support for Palestinians.

The timing of the attack also added a layer of political tension. It occurred just hours before top Israeli Cabinet ministers were scheduled to convene for a crucial vote on whether to intensify military operations in the Gaza Strip. The strike near a major civilian hub ahead of such a significant decision underscored the volatile regional security landscape.

Implications and Ongoing Tensions

The incident at Ben-Gurion Airport serves as a stark reminder of the widening geographical scope of the conflict emanating from the Gaza Strip and the potential for non-state actors like the Houthis to impact civilian life and international travel far from their base of operations. As the IDF continues its review of the interception process and regional tensions remain high, the security posture around key Israeli infrastructure is expected to remain elevated.