New Delhi—Air India slammed the brakes on all flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 6, a snap decision triggered by a missile strike that rattled Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday. The airline, known for its no-nonsense approach to safety, didn’t hesitate to pull the plug after a Yemeni-launched missile landed close enough to the airport to send air traffic controllers into a tailspin.
The chaos unfolded mid-flight for Air India’s AI139, a Boeing 787 hauling nearly 200 passengers from Delhi to Tel Aviv. Less than an hour from touchdown, the plane was rerouted to Abu Dhabi, a detour that left travelers stranded but safe. The return leg, set to ferry passengers back to Delhi, was scrapped entirely. Airport operations at Ben Gurion screeched to a halt for hours, with authorities citing the missile’s proximity as too close for comfort.
Air India’s move wasn’t just about one flight. The airline, in a statement issued Sunday, made it clear that the suspension was a direct response to the escalating risks in the region. Customers with bookings to or from Tel Aviv through May 6 were offered a lifeline: a one-time waiver to reschedule or cancel without penalty. Ground staff in Abu Dhabi and Delhi were deployed to assist passengers caught in the lurch, though details on how many were affected remain sparse.
The missile, launched from Yemen, underscored the volatile geopolitics gripping the Middle East. Israel’s aviation authority confirmed the strike prompted a temporary shutdown of Ben Gurion, the country’s main gateway, disrupting not just Air India but other carriers like Lufthansa, which also suspended Tel Aviv flights until May 6. No injuries were reported from the missile strike, and the airport resumed limited operations later Sunday, but the incident sent a clear signal: the skies over Israel are anything but calm.
Air India’s decision to suspend flights was effective immediately on May 4, 2025, and covers all scheduled operations to Tel Aviv. The airline operates regular flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, a route critical for business travelers and the Indian diaspora in Israel. Refunds and rebookings are being processed for affected passengers, with the airline urging customers to check its website for updates.