Air India halts Tel Aviv flights until May 6 after missile strike forces diversion

A missile attack near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport forced an Air India flight en route from Delhi to divert to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, prompting the airline to suspend all operations to and from Tel Aviv until May 6.

Flight AI139, operated with a Boeing 787, was less than an hour from landing when the missile struck. According to flight tracking service Flightradar24.com, the aircraft was flying over Jordan when it was rerouted. The flight landed safely in Abu Dhabi and is scheduled to return to Delhi.

In a statement, Air India confirmed the diversion and suspension:

“Air India flight AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 3 May 2025 was diverted to Abu Dhabi after an incident at Ben Gurion airport. The flight landed safely and will soon return to Delhi,” the airline said. “As a precautionary measure, all our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended until May 6, 2025.”

The airline is offering full refunds or a one-time rescheduling waiver for all passengers booked between May 3–6. Ground staff are assisting travelers with alternative arrangements.

Air India emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority.

Missile Strike at Tel Aviv Airport

The missile strike, reportedly launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, injured six people and created a large crater on airport grounds. The incident occurred hours before key Israeli Cabinet ministers were set to vote on escalating military actions in Gaza. A plume of smoke and scenes of chaos were captured by local media, showing passengers scrambling for safety.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared Tel Aviv’s airport “no longer safe for air travel” in a statement claiming responsibility for the strike.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant responded sternly: "Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a security meeting to determine Israel’s next course of action.

Other Airlines Follow Suit

Following the attack, several international carriers, including Lufthansa, TUS Airways, Air Europa, and Delta Airlines, suspended or cancelled their Tel Aviv services. British Airways announced the suspension of all flights to Tel Aviv through May 7.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns about air travel safety in the region amid escalating conflict tied to the Gaza war.