United, Air France, Azerbaijan, Austrian, Etihad, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines are facing massive delays and cancellations after Ben Gurion Airport suspended all flights in response to an escalating missile attack from Yemen. The interception of missiles fired by the Houthi group triggered urgent security protocols and a temporary shutdown of Israel’s primary international airport, causing widespread disruption to airline operations and passenger travel.
Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s primary aviation gateway, faced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday as escalating missile attacks from Yemen triggered a temporary suspension of all flights. This abrupt shutdown led to massive delays and cancellations impacting major carriers including United, Air France, Azerbaijan, Austrian, Etihad, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines.
The airport authorities halted all inbound and outbound flights following the interception of two missiles launched from Yemen by the Houthi group, which has intensified its hostilities amid the ongoing regional conflict. Israeli air-raid sirens sounded across multiple regions, prompting an immediate defensive response and the decision to suspend airport operations as a precautionary security measure.
Widespread Impact on Airlines and Passengers
The sudden suspension caused a ripple effect, severely disrupting flight schedules for international airlines operating at Ben Gurion. United Airlines reported cancellations affecting fifty percent of its scheduled flights, while Air France faced delays on all its inbound flights. Azerbaijan Airlines and Austrian Airlines each saw partial cancellations and delays, with Austrian Airlines confirming canceled services. Similarly, Etihad Airways, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines experienced flight delays and cancellations ranging from six to twenty-five percent.
Overall, thirty delays and three cancellations were recorded at Ben Gurion on the day, highlighting the extensive impact of the security threat on civilian air travel. The situation was particularly sensitive for flights connected with the United States, with two delays and one cancellation reported within this corridor.
Escalating Regional Conflict Drives Aviation Risks
The missile attack from Yemen represents a continuation of the Houthis’ growing involvement in the regional conflict, which has intensified since Israel launched renewed military operations in Gaza. The Houthis have increasingly targeted commercial and military infrastructure in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has responded with targeted airstrikes within Yemen, including strikes on critical infrastructure like Sanaa International Airport, escalating tensions and raising concerns over civilian safety and air navigation security in the region.
Travelers Advised to Monitor Flight Updates
The temporary closure of Ben Gurion International Airport underscores the vulnerability of key transportation infrastructure during periods of heightened regional conflict. Airlines and travelers are urged to stay informed through official channels, as flight operations may continue to face interruptions or sudden changes due to evolving security conditions.
The Israel Airports Authority recommends passengers check with their respective carriers for real-time updates. Many flights were either rerouted, delayed, or placed in holding patterns while security assessments were ongoing. Departures were postponed until authorities declared it safe to resume normal operations.
United, Air France, Azerbaijan, Austrian, Etihad, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines face massive delays and cancellations as Ben Gurion Airport suspends operations due to an escalating missile attack from Yemen triggering urgent security measures.
Looking Ahead: Security and Operational Challenges
Security analysts warn that as tensions remain high in both Gaza and Yemen, air travel to and from Israel may experience intermittent delays and increased military monitoring. Although missile interception systems such as the Iron Dome provide critical defense capabilities, the psychological and logistical effects on travelers and airline operations are significant.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly regional conflicts can disrupt international travel and global mobility. For now, safety remains the paramount priority as airlines like United, Air France, Azerbaijan, Austrian, Etihad, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines adapt to the unfolding security landscape and work to minimize disruptions for their passengers.
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