On May 4, travelers at Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv were shaken when a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi forces slammed into a driveway near the main terminal. Israeli and U.S.-deployed air defenses scrambled but failed to intercept the projectile, leaving four people with minor injuries and triggering concerns across global aviation.
In a video statement posted on the Prime Minister's Office X account, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, 'Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing.' Earlier that day, he warned, 'We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future.'
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, said the strike was part of a 'comprehensive air blockade' against Israel in retaliation for its expanded operations in Gaza. The group vowed to continue targeting airports, urging airlines to halt all flights to and from the country.
The fallout was immediate: major carriers including Air Europa, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, ITA Airways and Brussels Airlines suspended routes to Tel Aviv, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and underscoring how regional conflicts can ripple across the global travel network.
This episode marks an escalation in Houthi tactics, which have intensified missile and drone assaults in response to renewed U.S. airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. For business travelers, digital nomads and global citizens alike, the incident highlights the growing risks as non-state actors extend their reach beyond traditional battlegrounds.
As Netanyahu mobilizes for a counterstrike that he says will be decisive and targeted, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how rapidly geopolitical tensions can affect everyday journeys. With airlines and airports now part of the frontline, travelers are watching closely for the next move in this high-stakes regional showdown.
Reference(s):
Netanyahu vows retaliation against Houthis, Iran after airport attack
cgtn.com
