Yemeni rebels, the Houthis, declare airborne offensive aimed at Israeli airports
Sunday Showdown: Houthi Threatens Israel's Skies
It's a tense standoff in the Middle East as Yemen's Houthi rebels vowed to target Israeli airports, intensifying their response to Israel stepping up its operations in Gaza. A ballistic missile strike hit near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on May 5, 2025, sending ripples across the aviation industry and reigniting regional tensions.
The Iran-backed militia claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it acted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised retaliation, fuelling concerns of a dangerous escalation.
Most attacks from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems. However, the recent strike on Sunday marked an alarming change, as it was the only one in a series that was not intercepted since March. With this, the Houthis warned they'd repeat attacks, targeting Israel's airports and urging international airlines to cancel their flights as a precaution.
Ben-Gurion Airport experienced significant flight disruptions after the attack, with at least three inbound flights diverted, and most international carriers suspending Tel Aviv flights until at least May 7. Major airlines have already preemptively cancelled flights, citing safety concerns, while others are seeking clarifications.
The economic and logistical impact of a prolonged blockade could be substantial. A mass consumer withdrawal from travel and disruptions in cargo flows could strain Israel's economy. Airlines might also face increased insurance costs for routes to Israel.
Tensions could also escalate regionally. With added Israeli retaliation risks and the potential for U.S. involvement, the conflict might take a more aggressive turn. The threat of repeated attacks raises airspace risks in Israel, potentially further disrupting aviation and complicating flight path planning for airlines operating in the region.
The Houthis' persistent long-range strikes—likely with Iranian technological support—pose a potential challenge. If attacks intensify, Israel may choose to escalate defensive measures or consider preemptive strikes, adding to the instability in the region. The coming days will signal airlines' confidence in Israel's air-defense capabilities. It's a precarious situation, with air travel and regional peace hanging in the balance.
- In 2023, the Houthis, backed by Iran, threatened to target Israel's airports, a response to Israel's actions in Gaza, as reported in the general news and politics.
- On May 5, 2025, a ballistic missile strike targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport was intercepted, marking a change as it was not intercepted in a series of attacks since March, escalating war-and-conflicts in the Middle East.
- As a precaution following the non-intercepted missile strike, international airlines have been urged to cancel flights to Israel, causing flight disruptions at Ben-Gurion Airport and making aviv, the Hebrew word for spring, a season of uncertainty for the aviation industry.
- If the Houthis continue their prolonged targeting of Israeli airports, resulting in more non-intercepted strikes, it could lead to increased defensive measures in Israel, jeopardizing aviation safety and contributing to further instability in the region.
