AI halts Tel Aviv flight ops after missile attack

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was today diverted to Abu Dhabi after a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport in the Israeli city.

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The missile attack took place less than an hour before Air India flight AI139 was to land at Tel Aviv.

An Air India spokesperson said the flight landed normally in Abu Dhabi and would soon return to Delhi.

Air India also announced that the flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv would remain suspended till May 6.

“Consequently, our operations to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended with immediate effect till May 6, to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Our staff on the ground is assisting customers and helping them with alternative arrangements,” the spokesperson said.

“Customers booked on our flights with valid tickets between May 4 and 6 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling or full refunds for cancellation. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains the top priority,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier in the day, agencies quoting the Israeli police said air traffic to the country’s main airport in Tel Aviv was briefly closed after a missile was launched from Yemen.

The police said plane traffic and other activity around the airport were expected to resume after officers performed final searches, agencies reported.