Recent Missile Attack Near Ben Gurion Airport Disrupts Flights
This past weekend, a missile launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi forces landed alarmingly close to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), prompting major airlines to cancel flights to and from Israel.
Major Airlines Suspend Operations
In response to the missile incident, prominent airlines including United, Delta, Lufthansa, and Air France have halted flights to TLV. The Lufthansa Group, which includes subsidiaries like SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, announced a suspension of flights until at least May 6th, citing safety concerns.
Disruption Statistics
According to FlightAware, operations at TLV faced significant disruptions on May 4th, with 57 flight cancellations and over 180 delays. By 9 AM ET on May 5th, there were 56 additional cancellations affecting both inbound and outbound flights, highlighting the escalating challenges for air travel to Israel.
Details of the Missile Attack
The missile, which struck near the terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, led to four injuries from the explosion, with two more individuals hurt while rushing to a shelter, although none suffered serious injuries. The incident reportedly took place on May 4th, when the BBC confirmed that the Houthis stated their intention to impose “a comprehensive aerial blockade” on Israel’s airports in retaliation for Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Implications for Future Flights
Given the ongoing conflict and the Houthis’ threats of further attacks on Israeli infrastructure, it is highly likely that additional cancellations and disruptions could affect international travel to and from Israel in the near future.
Monitoring the Situation
Air Canada, which had planned to resume flights to Israel in June, is actively monitoring the situation. A spokesperson mentioned that the airline is taking the evolving circumstances into account as they plan their next steps.
Conclusion
Travelers considering flights to Israel should remain informed about the rapidly changing security situation and check with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight operations and safety measures.
