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 Monday afternoon, the following airlines have suspended service to Israel through at least Tuesday:
• Delta Air Lines
• Air France
• British Airways
• Wizz Air
• Iberia (through Monday only)
• Air India
• Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings)
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Transavia
• Air Europa
• Italy’s ITA Airways (through Wednesday)
• Ryanair (through Monday only)
Israeli carriers step in
In response, Israeli airlines have added extra flights at reduced prices to bring stranded passengers home.
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El Al is offering special one-way fares to Israel:
• From Larnaca: up to $99
• From Athens: up to $149
Arkia is boosting service from Larnaca and Athens on Monday and Tuesday.
• Larnaca–Tel Aviv on Monday: $342
• Tuesday, May 6: $391
• Wednesday, May 7: fares drop to between $97 and $136
(All fares exclude checked baggage fees.)
Israir has also increased capacity with added flights from Larnaca, Athens and Budapest.
• Athens to Tel Aviv on Tuesday, May 6: $160
• Larnaca to Tel Aviv: $135
Israeli tourism agency Holiday Lines Group announced additional flights operated by Blue Bird Airways (Greece) and TUS Airways (Cyprus) from Larnaca, Paphos, Athens, Barcelona and Prague.
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Israeli travelers heading to Ben Gurion Airport after Houthi missile hit
(Photo: Jack GUEZ / AFP)
Are passengers entitled to compensation?
Aviation and tourism attorney Ehud Fai explained that passengers may not be entitled to compensation if the airline can prove the cancellation was caused by a war-related security emergency, such as the missile strike.
However, he clarified that airlines are still required to offer passengers either a full refund or a replacement ticket — based on the traveler’s choice — as well as assistance such as hotel accommodations and meals until the alternate flight departs.
What should travelers do now?
Passengers are urged to monitor airline announcements for updates and service resumptions. The Lufthansa Group, for example, is allowing free cancellations or rebookings for affected passengers.
Those booking with Israeli airlines should check whether their flight is operated by a leased foreign aircraft. Prices remain high and volatile: as of Monday morning, one-way flights from New York to Tel Aviv for Wednesday, May 7, were listed at:
• Arkia: $549–$649 (excluding baggage)
• El Al: $726–$866 (including baggage)
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.