On May 4, 2025, a missile launched from Yemen hit an area close to Tel Aviv's main international airport, resulting in chaos and injuries.
Yemen Missile Attack Targets Israeli Airport, Flight Operations Halted
Yemen Missile Attack Targets Israeli Airport, Flight Operations Halted
A missile from Yemen struck near Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport, causing temporary flight suspensions and injuries.
Israel's security forces were deployed to Ben-Gurion Airport following the attack on Sunday, as flight operations were suspended temporarily. The missile strike was confirmed to have originated from the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, which has been increasingly targeting Israel in response to the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
According to reports, the missile impacted near Terminal 3, the airport's main terminal, injuring at least two individuals, along with a third person who was hurt while seeking shelter during the attack. Videos circulated on social media reflecting the tense situation, displaying a significant plume of smoke emerging from the vicinity and the sound of sirens filling the air. Scattered debris and dirt lined a nearby road due to the blast.
Israel’s military responded swiftly, noting their efforts to intercept the missile before it struck. Following the attack, the Israel Airport Authority, which previously announced that 422 flights were set to operate that day, confirmed the immediate suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights in accordance with safety protocols, although operations were expected to resume shortly after.
The Houthi militia has intensified its missile launches against Israel since the country ended a cease-fire in its engagement with Hamas in March. Thus far, Israeli forces have successfully intercepted most incoming missiles; however, fragments continue to pose risks across various regions in Israel.
Myra Noveck, Adam Rasgon, and Gabby Sobelman contributed to this report. Isabel Kershner has been covering the complexities of Israeli and Palestinian relations since 1990.
According to reports, the missile impacted near Terminal 3, the airport's main terminal, injuring at least two individuals, along with a third person who was hurt while seeking shelter during the attack. Videos circulated on social media reflecting the tense situation, displaying a significant plume of smoke emerging from the vicinity and the sound of sirens filling the air. Scattered debris and dirt lined a nearby road due to the blast.
Israel’s military responded swiftly, noting their efforts to intercept the missile before it struck. Following the attack, the Israel Airport Authority, which previously announced that 422 flights were set to operate that day, confirmed the immediate suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights in accordance with safety protocols, although operations were expected to resume shortly after.
The Houthi militia has intensified its missile launches against Israel since the country ended a cease-fire in its engagement with Hamas in March. Thus far, Israeli forces have successfully intercepted most incoming missiles; however, fragments continue to pose risks across various regions in Israel.
Myra Noveck, Adam Rasgon, and Gabby Sobelman contributed to this report. Isabel Kershner has been covering the complexities of Israeli and Palestinian relations since 1990.
