Houthi threats to Ben Gurion Airport spark fresh wave of airline suspensions to Israel over safety fears
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Posted: 20 May 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Following renewed Houthi missile threats, major airlines have extended flight suspensions to Israel, citing escalating security risks near Ben Gurion Airport.


Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militia has again threatened to strike Israel’s main international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), raising concerns over flight safety and prompting international airline responses.
Details on Houthis’ threats to Israel and Ben Gurion Airport
On Monday, senior Houthi official Nasruddin Amer posted a photo of TLV on social media platform X with the warning: “In the coming hours, Yemeni forces will carry out military operations against Ben Gurion and other Zionist airports.” The statement mirrored recent IDF evacuation alerts for Houthi-held Yemeni ports.
The latest threat marks the second in 24 hours. Earlier, Amer warned: “We will strike Ben Gurion Airport in the coming hours. Evacuate immediately.” Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Amer urged international airlines to avoid TLV and Israeli airspace: “They should change course and take seriously the warnings of the Yemeni military… not only over Ben Gurion Airport but over all of Israeli airspace.”
In response, the Israeli Air Force bombed key Houthi infrastructure, including Sanaa Airport (SAH).
Amid the rising threat, several international airlines have suspended flights to Israel. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said Monday: “I think we’re running out of patience too with Israel… flights to and from Tel Aviv. If they’re going to keep being disrupted by these security disruptions, frankly, we’d be better off sending those aircraft somewhere else in Europe.”
Around 20 carriers have reportedly demanded reforms and compensation before resuming operations to Israel.
Airlines that have suspended flights to Israel
- Aegean Airlines – Suspended through May 21, 2025
- LOT Polish Airlines – Suspended through May 25, 2025
- United Airlines – Suspended through June 12, 2025
- Lufthansa Group (includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) – Suspended through May 25, 2025
- Air France – Suspended through May 20, 2025
- Transavia – Suspended through May 20, 2025
- AirBaltic – Suspended through June 8, 2025
- Ryanair – Suspended through June 4, 2025
- Iberia Express – Suspended through May 31, 2025
- British Airways – Suspended through June 14, 2025
- Air Canada – Suspended until September 8, 2025
- Air Seychelles – Suspended until August 2025
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Related topics
Air traffic control/management (ATC/ATM), Airlines, Airport crisis management, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Risk Management Solutions, Route development, Security, Terrorist attacks
Related airports
Related airlines
Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Air Seychelles, airBaltic, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia Express, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Swiss, Transavia, United Airlines