Missile Chaos: Houthi Strike Forces Flight Shutdown at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport

 

 An Israeli commercial jet stands still on the tarmac as plumes of smoke rise in the background following a missile interception near Ben Gurion Airport. The airport was temporarily shut down following the Houthi attack on May 4, 2025.

Tel Aviv, May 4, 2025 — In a stunning escalation of the ongoing regional conflict, a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels briefly paralyzed air traffic at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport early Saturday morning. The incident, which came just hours before a key Israeli cabinet vote on expanding military operations in Gaza, has raised fresh concerns about the widening reach of Iran-backed militias across the Middle East.

Airspace Temporarily Shut Down

The missile, believed to be a long-range ballistic projectile, triggered emergency defense protocols as it approached Israeli airspace. Ben Gurion Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the region, was forced into lockdown as incoming and outgoing flights were immediately halted. Passengers were evacuated from boarding gates and directed to underground shelters.

Israeli military officials later confirmed that the missile was intercepted mid-air by the Iron Dome defense system, preventing any casualties or structural damage. Despite the successful interception, the airport remained closed for nearly two hours, causing widespread delays and flight diversions across Europe and the Middle East.

Message from the Houthis

The Houthi movement, based in northern Yemen and aligned with Iran, issued a statement via their Al-Masirah television network claiming responsibility for the attack. The group said the missile strike was “a response to Israeli aggression in Gaza and solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

While the Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and Saudi infrastructure in the past, this is the first confirmed instance of their missile reaching central Israeli airspace. Experts suggest that the strike was less about physical destruction and more about strategic signaling—a demonstration of capability aimed at rattling Israeli leadership and their Western allies.

International Reaction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the attack, calling it “an act of terror orchestrated by Iran’s proxies.” He warned of a “strong and measured response,” while simultaneously urging the public to remain calm.

“The enemies of Israel will not intimidate us,” said Netanyahu in a press briefing. “We are prepared for any scenario.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also weighed in, denouncing the missile launch as “a reckless act of regional destabilization.” The U.S. has reportedly increased intelligence sharing with Israeli forces in anticipation of further threats.

Rising Regional Tensions

The timing of the attack has fueled speculation about coordinated pressure on Israel by various Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq and Syria. Just days earlier, Israeli intelligence warned of a possible multi-front escalation, and the strike on Ben Gurion may represent the beginning of a broader campaign.

Meanwhile, citizens in central Israel experienced a rare moment of wartime vulnerability, with videos circulating on social media showing airport staff and travelers scrambling for cover amid sirens and smoke.

A Symbolic Strike with Global Impact

Though the damage was averted, the psychological and geopolitical impact of the attack is profound. With Ben Gurion Airport representing Israel’s gateway to the world, its brief shutdown sent ripples through aviation and security networks globally.

Aviation analysts estimate that over 150 flights were delayed or rerouted, affecting tens of thousands of passengers and prompting several airlines to reconsider flight paths over Israel.