Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv flight diverted to Abu Dhabi due to missile attack

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 4 May 2025, following a missile attack near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The airline has subsequently suspended all operations to and from Tel Aviv until 6 May, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.

Flight AI139, operated using a Boeing 787, was nearing its destination when the incident occurred—less than an hour before its scheduled landing. The aircraft was in Jordanian airspace when the decision was made to divert it to Abu Dhabi. According to the airline, the flight landed safely and will return to Delhi.

“Air India flight AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv of 4 May 2025 was diverted to Abu Dhabi after an incident at Ben Gurion airport this morning,” the airline confirmed in a statement.

The missile was reportedly launched from Yemen and landed near Tel Aviv airport, prompting a temporary suspension of air traffic in the region. Air India has also cancelled its return flight from Tel Aviv to Delhi on Sunday.

Passengers with valid bookings between 4–6 May are eligible for a one-time rescheduling waiver or a full refund, as per the airline’s advisory.