What's happened
Following a missile strike by Yemen's Houthi rebels near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, numerous airlines have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised a multi-phased response to the attack, which has raised safety concerns for international travel to Israel.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of the Missile Strike
-
Air Travel Disruption: The missile strike has led to immediate cancellations by major airlines, including Delta and Lufthansa, significantly impacting travel plans for many passengers. This disruption highlights the ongoing volatility in the region and raises questions about the safety of air travel to Israel.
-
Economic Impact: Israeli airlines like El Al and Israir have seen a rise in stock prices, indicating a potential monopoly on routes to and from Israel as foreign carriers withdraw. This could lead to higher fares for travelers, as demand remains despite the risks.
-
Political Ramifications: Netanyahu's vow for a multi-phased response suggests an escalation in military actions against the Houthis, which could further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region. The ongoing conflict has already strained relations with neighboring countries and could lead to broader implications for international diplomacy.
-
Future of Air Travel: The situation may deter airlines from resuming services to Israel in the near term, affecting tourism and business travel. Travelers may need to consider alternative routes or carriers, which could lead to increased travel costs and logistical challenges.
What the papers say
The New Arab reported that European and US carriers canceled flights after the missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, causing panic among passengers. The Guardian noted Netanyahu's promise of a multi-phased response, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Times of Israel highlighted the immediate impact on airline operations, with several carriers halting flights until further notice. This collective reporting underscores the significant disruption caused by the missile strike and the broader implications for air travel and regional security.
How we got here
The missile strike on May 4, 2025, follows a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in January 2025, which had allowed foreign airlines to resume flights to Israel after a prolonged halt due to the ongoing conflict. The Houthis have been targeting Israel since late 2023.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for travelers to Israel?
- How has the Israeli government responded to the missile strike?
- Which airlines are still operating flights to Israel?
Common question
-
Why Did Virgin Atlantic Cancel Its London-Tel Aviv Route?
Virgin Atlantic's recent decision to permanently cancel its London-Tel Aviv flights has raised eyebrows in the travel industry. This move, following a suspension that began in October 2023 due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has significant implications for travelers and the airline sector. What does this mean for those planning trips to Israel and how are other airlines reacting?
-
Why Are Airlines Suspending Flights to Tel Aviv?
As of May 4, 2025, several airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport due to escalating security concerns. This situation raises important questions for travelers and those monitoring the ongoing conflict in the region. Below, we address common inquiries regarding these flight cancellations and their implications.
More on these topics
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Delta Air Lines, Inc., typically referred to as Delta, is one of the major airlines of the United States and a legacy carrier. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
Air France, stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the flag carrier of France headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. It is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance.
-
Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag, is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest airport in the country, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, which is about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 2
-
Virgin Atlantic, a trading name of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited, is a British airline with its head office in Crawley, England.
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
United Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline headquartered at Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. United operates a large domestic and international route network spanning cities large and small across the United States and all six continents.