Key Takeaways
• On June 9, 2025, a Yemeni missile attack halted all flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
• Since May 4, about 600-700 flights were canceled, roughly 24% of international traffic at Ben Gurion.
• Israeli airlines dominate 70% of daily flights amid ongoing missile threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
A missile attack launched from Yemen has forced the suspension of all flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport today, June 9, 2025. This event marks the latest in a series of Yemeni missile attacks targeting Israel’s main airport, causing major disruptions for travelers, airlines, and the broader economy. The ongoing conflict has raised urgent questions about safety, travel plans, and the future of international aviation in the region.
What Happened: The Latest Yemeni Missile Attack
Early this morning, a missile fired from Yemen struck near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s busiest air hub. Local media in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories reported that airport operations were immediately halted, and all flights were suspended as authorities assessed the damage and checked for further threats. No deaths were reported, but the attack has caused widespread concern among travelers and airline staff.
This is not the first time Ben Gurion International Airport has been targeted. The airport has faced repeated missile threats and attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, also known as the Ansarullah movement. These attacks are part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, who have stated their intention to disrupt Israeli air traffic as a form of protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Ongoing Threats and Recent Incidents
The June 9 missile strike is just the latest in a string of attacks that have shaken confidence in air travel to and from Tel Aviv. Only two days earlier, on June 7, Israeli media reported that international flights remained disrupted as airlines continued to avoid Tel Aviv due to ongoing missile threats from Yemen.
A particularly serious incident occurred on May 4, 2025, when a missile from Yemen managed to get past Israel’s advanced Arrow 3 and US-made THAAD missile defense systems. The missile landed near aircraft parked outside Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion International Airport, injuring six people. This was the first time a missile had penetrated the airport’s perimeter, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict.
Since March 18, at least 49 missiles have been fired from Yemen at Israel, according to Israeli Channel 12 News. The frequency and accuracy of these attacks have made it difficult for airlines and airport authorities to guarantee safety for passengers and staff.
How Airlines Are Responding
The ongoing Yemeni missile attacks have forced airlines to make tough decisions about flying to Tel Aviv. Many international carriers have suspended or canceled flights, while others have only recently resumed service after earlier suspensions.
Key airline responses include:
- Lufthansa Group: This group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, ITA, and Lufthansa Cargo, has repeatedly extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv. Lufthansa now plans to restart flights on June 23, 2025, but will do so gradually for safety and operational reasons.
- United Airlines: Initially suspended flights through June 12, 2025, but resumed service on June 5, 2025.
- Delta Air Lines: Resumed flights on May 20, 2025, after earlier suspensions.
- Air France and KLM: Both airlines resumed service in early June 2025.
Since the May 4 missile attack, about 600-700 flights have been canceled, which is roughly 24% of all international flights at Ben Gurion International Airport. As of mid-May, only 25 airlines were still operating at the airport, with Israeli carriers—El Al, Israir, and Arkia—handling almost 70% of daily flights.
Impact on Travelers and Immigration
For travelers, especially those with urgent immigration needs, the Yemeni missile attack and ongoing threats have created a confusing and stressful situation. Many people have had to cancel or change travel plans at the last minute, often at great personal and financial cost.
Common problems faced by travelers include:
- Flight cancellations and delays: Many have found their flights canceled with little notice, making it hard to reach family, attend important events, or meet immigration deadlines.
- Difficulty rebooking: With fewer airlines flying to Tel Aviv, seats are limited and ticket prices have soared.
- Visa and immigration complications: Those needing to enter or leave Israel for immigration reasons may face missed appointments or expired documents due to travel disruptions.
For those needing to check the latest travel advisories or visa requirements, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides up-to-date information on entry rules and airport status.
Economic Consequences of the Airport Disruptions
The repeated missile attacks and resulting flight suspensions have had a major impact on Israel’s economy, especially in the travel and tourism sectors.
Key economic effects include:
- High ticket prices: With fewer flights and high demand, ticket prices have remained unusually high, making travel more expensive for everyone.
- Stock market changes: Israeli airlines have seen their stock values rise sharply due to reduced competition from foreign carriers. For example, El Al’s shares jumped 6.9% after the May 4 attack and are up almost 40% for the year. Israir’s stock rose 3.8% in the same period.
- Record profits for local airlines: With fewer international competitors, Israeli airlines have reported record-high profits during the ongoing conflict.
- Wider economic worries: Despite gains for local airlines, the overall situation is troubling for the broader economy. Sectors that rely on international travel, such as tourism, hospitality, and low-skilled labor, are suffering from the drop in visitors and business activity.
The Houthi Strategy and Statements
Yemen’s Houthi movement has been clear about its goals. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated after a previous attack that their operation “successfully achieved its goal, forcing millions of [Israelis] to flee to shelters and halting airport operations.” The Houthis have said they want to impose a complete ban on air traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport, after already achieving a partial ban.
The group has also vowed to continue its attacks until Israel stops its military actions in Gaza and lifts the blockade. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the Houthis’ strategy is to use missile attacks to disrupt daily life in Israel and put pressure on the government by targeting key infrastructure like airports.
Israeli Government and Military Response
Israel has responded to the Yemeni missile attacks with both defensive and offensive actions. After the May 4 missile strike that landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel launched airstrikes on the airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and hit three nearby power stations. On May 19, the Israeli military intercepted another missile fired from Yemen, while the Houthis claimed to have launched two ballistic missiles toward Ben Gurion Airport.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue to respond to Houthi attacks. He stated, “We operated against them in the past and we will operate in the future… It’s not ‘bang — that’s it,’ but there will be bangs.” This suggests that the cycle of attacks and counterattacks is likely to continue, keeping the situation tense for the foreseeable future.
Safety Measures and Airport Security
Ben Gurion International Airport is known for its strict security, but the recent Yemeni missile attack has exposed new vulnerabilities. The May 4 incident, where a missile penetrated both the Arrow 3 and THAAD missile defense systems, has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
Steps being taken include:
- Increased military presence: More soldiers and security staff have been deployed at and around the airport.
- Upgraded missile defenses: Efforts are underway to improve missile detection and interception systems.
- Emergency drills: Airport staff and emergency services are conducting regular drills to prepare for future attacks.
Despite these efforts, the risk of further attacks remains, and travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest security updates.
Implications for Immigrants and Foreign Workers
The ongoing disruptions at Ben Gurion International Airport have serious implications for immigrants, foreign workers, and those seeking asylum or family reunification in Israel.
Key challenges include:
- Missed immigration appointments: Many people have missed important appointments with immigration authorities due to canceled flights.
- Visa expirations: Delays in travel can lead to expired visas or permits, causing legal problems for travelers.
- Family separation: Families hoping to reunite in Israel may face long delays due to the reduced number of flights and high ticket prices.
For those needing to extend their visas or apply for new permits, it is important to check the latest updates from the Population and Immigration Authority.
Broader Regional and International Impact
The Yemeni missile attack on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport is not just a local issue. It has wider implications for the region and for international air travel.
- Airlines rerouting flights: Many airlines are now avoiding Israeli airspace altogether, leading to longer flight times and higher costs for passengers.
- Insurance and liability: The risk of missile attacks has made it harder and more expensive for airlines to insure flights to Israel.
- Diplomatic tensions: The ongoing conflict has increased tensions between Israel 🇮🇱 and Yemen 🇾🇪, as well as with other countries in the region.
What Travelers Should Do
If you have plans to travel to or from Tel Aviv, it is important to:
- Check flight status: Contact your airline or check the airport’s official website for the latest updates on flight schedules.
- Monitor travel advisories: Stay informed about the security situation and any new travel warnings issued by your government.
- Have backup plans: Be prepared for last-minute changes, including possible cancellations or delays.
- Keep documents up to date: Make sure your passport, visa, and any other travel documents are valid and ready in case you need to rebook or change your travel plans.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ben Gurion International Airport?
The situation at Ben Gurion International Airport remains uncertain. While some airlines plan to resume flights in the coming weeks, the ongoing threat of Yemeni missile attacks means that disruptions could continue. Airport authorities and the Israeli government are working to improve security and reassure travelers, but the risk of further attacks cannot be ruled out.
For now, travelers, airlines, and immigration authorities must remain flexible and ready to adapt to a rapidly changing situation. The hope is that a reduction in violence and a return to normalcy will allow Ben Gurion International Airport to fully reopen and resume its role as a key gateway to Israel.
Practical Takeaways
- Stay informed: Regularly check official sources for updates on flight schedules and security at Ben Gurion International Airport.
- Plan ahead: Book flights early, keep documents ready, and be prepared for possible changes.
- Seek help if needed: If you face immigration problems due to flight disruptions, contact the relevant authorities or seek legal advice.
For the latest official information on travel and immigration to Israel, visit the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing Yemeni missile attacks have created a complex and challenging environment for travelers, airlines, and immigration authorities. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to manage the risks and uncertainties in this evolving situation.
Learn Today
Ben Gurion International Airport → Israel’s busiest airport, key for international travel and economic activity in Tel Aviv.
Houthi Rebels → Yemeni armed group known as Ansarullah, conducting missile attacks against Israel.
Arrow 3 → Advanced Israeli missile defense system designed to intercept ballistic missile threats.
THAAD → Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, US-made missile defense system protecting Israel from attacks.
Flight Suspension → Temporary halt of airline operations, often due to security threats or emergencies.
This Article in a Nutshell
A missile attack from Yemen forced Ben Gurion Airport’s flight suspension on June 9, 2025, disrupting travel and economy. Repeated attacks strain Israel’s aviation security and force airlines to adjust operations amid rising tensions and ongoing conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Israel’s airport.
— By VisaVerge.com
