A Houthi ballistic missile that struck near Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning has led numerous international airlines to suspend flights to and from Israel. While no injuries were reported, the incident prompted immediate cancellations and concerns are growing that disruptions could continue for days or even weeks.
Houthi missile hit near Ben Gurion Airport
As of Wednesday morning, the following airlines have suspended service to Israel:
• United Airlines – through May 9, inclusive. According to Reuters, disruptions may continue through May 11.
• Delta Air Lines – through May 20, inclusive. Reuters reported possible disruptions through May 25.
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) – through May 11.
• Air France – through May 13, inclusive.
• British Airways – through May 15, inclusive.
• Ryanair – through May 11, inclusive.
• Wizz Air – through the morning of May 8.
• Air Europa – through May 7, inclusive.
• Italy’s ITA Airways – through May 11, with two additional flights canceled on May 12.
• Air India – through May 8, inclusive.
• Iberia – through Tuesday, inclusive.
• LOT Polish Airlines – through May 8, inclusive.
• Transavia – through May 13, inclusive.
• Aegean Airlines – through May 13, inclusive.
• Ethiopian Airlines – through May 7, inclusive.
• HiSky – canceled flights to Chisinau on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
• AirBaltic – canceled flights from May 7 to May 11 and suspended ticket sales through May 18.
• Air Seychelles – flights on May 7 will land in Larnaca, from which Arkia will operate connections to and from Tel Aviv. Passengers will receive boarding passes in Cyprus and luggage will be transferred directly to the final destination. They may choose to change flight dates free of charge or request a full refund
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Are passengers entitled to compensation?
Are passengers entitled to compensation?
Aviation and tourism attorney Ehud Fai explained that passengers may not be entitled to monetary compensation if the airline can prove that the cancellation was required due to a wartime security emergency — such as the missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport.
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Israeli travelers heading to Ben Gurion Airport after Houthi missile hit
(Photo: Jack GUEZ / AFP)
Are refunds or replacement flights still required?
“Yes,” Fai clarified. “Even in such cases, the airline is still obligated to offer passengers either a replacement ticket or a full refund, based on the passenger’s choice, as well as assistance services such as hotel accommodation and meals until the alternate flight departs.”
What should travelers do now?
Travelers should carefully follow airline announcements regarding cancellations or service resumptions. The Lufthansa Group, for instance, is offering affected passengers free cancellations or rebookings. Those booking tickets with Israeli carriers should check whether the flight is operated by a leased foreign aircraft.
Travelers are encouraged to purchase “ticket insurance” from Israeli carriers, which provides a refund option in case of cancellation. Those currently stranded abroad should ensure their travel insurance is extended. Some insurers are doing this automatically, but passengers should confirm with their providers.