Air India Flight Bound for Delhi Diverted to Abu Dhabi After Missile Strike Rocks Tel Aviv Airport

In a shocking development, an Air India flight from Tel Aviv to Delhi was routed to Abu Dhabi on Sunday due to a missile attack near the Ben Gurion Airport in the Israeli city. The incident is a cause for concern regarding air safety in the region and a reflection of the existing tensions between Israel and its enemies.

The missile strike and flight diversion

The missile attack came less than an hour before the Air India flight AI139 was due to land in Tel Aviv. The flight was over Jordanian airspace when it was routed to Abu Dhabi, as per information on the flight tracking website (link not available) Air India reported that the flight landed normally in Abu Dhabi and will be back in Delhi soon.

Air India's response

Air India has adopted a prudent decision by suspending the operations from and to Tel Aviv until May 6, 2025. The airline has promised customers that the security of its passengers and staff is paramount. Customers who have made bookings on flights with valid tickets on or before May 3 to May 6, 2025, will get a one-time waiver on reschedule or cancellation for full refunds.

The attack on Tel Aviv airport

The Israeli police said that air traffic to the country's main airport in Tel Aviv was closed temporarily after a missile was launched from Yemen. The police said that air traffic and other traffic to and from the airport would be allowed again after officers made last-minute checks. A smudge of smoke was seen rising earlier near the airport after the missile was launched.

Claim by Houthi rebels

The Houthi rebels, who have been firing at Israel in the course of the Gaza war in aid of Palestinians, alleged in a video statement that the group struck the airport using a hypersonic ballistic missile. This is unverified but testifies to the current tensions within the region.

Israeli response

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to retaliate for the airport attack, declaring, "Whoever hurts us, we will hurt them seven times." It emphasizes the sensitive nature of the conflictwithin the region and the likelihood of further escalation. The diversion of the Air India flight and the suspension of operations to and from Tel Aviv illustrate the intricacies and difficulties of operating in war zones. As the developments continue to unfold, it is critical that airlines and governments secure the safety of passengers and crew.