Air India Diverts Delhi-Tel Aviv Flight After Missile Strike Near Israeli Airport, Suspends Services Until May 6
Air India has temporarily suspended its operations to and from Tel Aviv following a serious security incident near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. On May 4, 2025, Air India Flight AI139, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Delhi to Tel Aviv, was diverted mid-air to Abu Dhabi after a missile strike occurred close to the Israeli airport. The aircraft, which was nearing its scheduled landing, was flying through Jordanian airspace when the decision was made to reroute. The flight landed safely in Abu Dhabi and is scheduled to return to Delhi. This development comes after a missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six people and creating a large crater less than a kilometre from the tarmac. Although there was no reported damage to terminal buildings or runways, the impact led to a temporary suspension of all air traffic and caused widespread panic. Passengers were rushed to safety in designated bunkers, and several flights were either delayed or redirected.
Air India, in an official statement, emphasized the importance of safety, announcing the suspension of all Tel Aviv flights until May 6, 2025. The airline assured that affected passengers holding valid tickets for travel between May 4 and May 6 would be eligible for a one-time rescheduling waiver or a full refund. Ground staff have been deployed to assist customers with alternative travel arrangements. The airline reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew is its topmost priority and shared helpline numbers for those seeking more information. In light of the escalating security concerns, Lufthansa Airlines also followed suit and announced the suspension of its Tel Aviv-bound flights until May 6.
The missile strike, reportedly a hypersonic ballistic missile, was claimed by the Houthi rebels, who stated it was launched in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The attack marked a significant escalation, especially as such missiles pose considerable interception challenges due to their high speed and trajectory. Israeli military forces responded with multiple interception attempts; however, it remains unclear whether the impact was from the missile itself or debris from interceptors. This strike is part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression since the beginning of the Gaza conflict. While these attacks had paused briefly during a ceasefire, they resumed in March, prompting increased U.S.-led airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. In response to the latest missile attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed a forceful retaliation, reinforcing the nation’s stance on safeguarding its airspace and civilians.
This incident has not only impacted airline operations but also highlighted the growing regional instability affecting international air travel. As tensions rise in the Middle East, airlines and passengers alike are being forced to reconsider travel plans amid mounting safety concerns. For those affected, Air India and other operators are urging passengers to stay in touch via official communication channels for updates and support.
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