Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main gateway to the world, ground to a halt on April 16 when a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels slammed into the region. The attack, a bold escalation in the group’s campaign against Israel, forced authorities to suspend all flights for several hours, stranding travelers and sending passengers scrambling for cover.
The missile, fired from thousands of miles away in Yemen, landed perilously close to the airport’s perimeter. Sirens blared across Tel Aviv as the projectile triggered Israel’s air defense systems, which intercepted debris but couldn’t prevent panic. Airport officials, acting on orders from the Israel Airports Authority, halted takeoffs and landings immediately. Incoming planes were diverted to holding patterns over the Mediterranean, circling like wary birds until the all-clear came. On the ground, passengers were herded into reinforced shelters, clutching bags and phones, as announcements crackled over the loudspeakers urging calm.
The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Iran, claimed responsibility within hours. Their military spokesman, speaking via a televised statement, said the strike targeted Ben Gurion as retaliation for Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza and Syria. It was the latest in a series of missile and drone attacks the group has launched against Israeli targets, though few have come this close to a major civilian hub. The missile, identified by Israeli defense officials as a long-range ballistic model, underscored the growing reach of the Houthis’ arsenal.
By late afternoon, the airport resumed operations, but not without hiccups. Several airlines canceled flights outright, citing safety concerns, while others faced delays as air traffic controllers worked to untangle the backlog. Travelers, some shaken, others furious, crowded terminals, their plans upended. A baggage handler, wiping sweat from his brow, told reporters the mood was tense but orderly, with security personnel swarming the tarmac.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a swift response, calling the attack a “dangerous escalation” in a brief address to the nation. The Israeli military, already on high alert, deployed additional air defense units around key infrastructure. No casualties were reported, though minor damage to a nearby road disrupted commuter traffic for hours.
The incident capped a volatile week in the region, with tensions simmering between Israel and Iran’s proxies. Ben Gurion, a symbol of Israel’s global connectivity, has faced threats before, but this strike hit closer than most. For now, flights are back in the air, but the shadow of the missile lingers.