Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv Flight Diverted to Abu Dhabi After Missile Attack Near Israeli Airport

New Delhi: An Air India flight en route from New Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi on Sunday following a missile attack near the Israeli airport. The incident occurred less than an hour before flight AI139, operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was scheduled to land Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. 

Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv Flight Diverted to Abu Dhabi

The sudden escalation of security concerns made authorities reroute the aircraft, prioritising passenger safety. Reports claim that the missile strike took place in close proximity to the airport, raising alarms about the security situation in the region.

There are no casualties or damages reported in this fight diversion incident. Following the diversion, passengers on board were informed about the situation.

Houthis Bombed Ben Gurion Airport

Houthis have claimed the responsibility of targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The attack have disrupted airport operations and flights in and out of the country. According to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) ballistic missile was fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards Israel on Sunday landed just 75 meters away from Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

Air India Has Issued an Official Statement

Air India spokesperson says, "Air India flight ai139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 4 may 2025 was diverted to Abu Dhabi after an incident at Ben Gurion Airport this morning. The flight has landed normally in Abu Dhabi and will soon return to Delhi. Consequently, our operations to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended with immediate effect till 6 may 2025, to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

Our staff on ground is assisting customers and helping them with alternative arrangements. Customers booked on our flights with valid tickets between 4 and 6 may 2025 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling or full refunds for cancellation. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority."

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights till May 6

Air India says, our operations to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended with immediate effect till 6th May 2025, to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.