Houthis Block Ben-Gurion Airport, Warn International Airlines
- paolo bibat
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
The Yemen-based Houthi rebel group has intensified its campaign against Israel by declaring a blockade on Ben Gurion Airport and issuing warnings to major international airlines.
This latest development comes amid rising tensions in the region and follows a series of missile attacks claimed by the Houthis against Israeli targets.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced: "In support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their brave resistance, our missile forces successfully targeted Ben Gurion Airport in occupied Jaffa with a hypersonic Palestine 2 missile". This marks the third such attack in 48 hours, according to the group.
The Houthis have specifically warned several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air France, British Airways, United Airlines, and easyJet, advising them against flying to Ben Gurion Airport.
"Ben Gurion Airport is no longer safe for air traffic and will remain so until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Saree stated.
These threats come in the wake of multiple claimed missile launches from Yemen towards Israel. The Israeli military reported intercepting a missile on Friday evening, the second such incident within 24 hours. However, the Israeli authorities maintain that Ben Gurion Airport remains operational, with no changes to international civil aviation operations.
The situation has prompted responses from various airlines and aviation authorities. Delta Air Lines has extended its travel waiver for customers booked to or from Tel Aviv through June 1, 2025, allowing for rebooking options.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains concerned about the potential impact on regional stability and global air travel. The Houthi actions are part of what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and retaliation against U.S. airstrikes in Yemen
