Foreign Airlines Halt Tel Aviv Flights After Houthi Missile Strike

Several major foreign airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport following a missile strike near the airport on May 4, 2025, reportedly launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group.

Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines, has paused all services to Israel until at least May 11. United Airlines has also suspended its Tel Aviv flights through the same date. Air France plans to resume operations on May 13, while Wizz Air and Ryanair aim to return by May 8 and May 7, respectively.

Aegean Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines have also halted operations to Tel Aviv, though they have not specified when flights will resume. All suspensions remain subject to change based on evolving security conditions.

Despite the renewed threat, Israeli carriers continue to operate, along with flydubai, which has maintained its regular schedule to Tel Aviv.

The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, claimed responsibility for the missile strike and have vowed to continue what they call a “blockade” of Israel’s main international gateway. The group has threatened further attacks on Israeli infrastructure.

Foreign airlines had largely suspended service to Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. While some international carriers gradually resumed operations in late 2024, this latest incident raises new concerns about air safety and regional stability.

The ongoing tensions are once again forcing international airlines to reevaluate their presence in Israeli airspace.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com