Missile Incident Halts Air Traffic at Ben Gurion Airport
In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, a missile reportedly fell at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, leading to an immediate halt in air traffic. Israeli media, including Channel 12, confirmed the incident, with the Israeli police stating that missile fragments landed in the greater Tel Aviv area but fortunately did not cause any injuries. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media platforms, particularly Telegram, depicted columns of smoke rising near the airport, alongside damage caused to a vehicle in Raanana from shrapnel linked to the rocket.
Impact on Passenger Traffic and Airlines
The ongoing conflict has severely affected passenger numbers at Ben Gurion Airport, which saw a staggering 43% drop in international travelers during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The Israel Airports Authority reported that the airport handled only 10.85 million passengers this year, down from 19.01 million last year. This decline is attributed to the ongoing war in Gaza, which began on October 7, prompting many airlines to either suspend or significantly reduce their flights to Israel. In contrast, Israeli airlines have experienced a 25% increase in travel traffic as passengers seek alternatives amid the chaotic situation.
Regional Aviation Safety Concerns
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has renewed its advisory for commercial airlines to avoid Israeli and Lebanese airspace, further complicating the travel landscape. Airlines operating in the region are now required to reroute their flights, opting for longer paths through other countries' airspace to mitigate risks associated with potential military actions. This shift not only affects airlines but also places additional burdens on travelers looking to navigate the increasingly dangerous skies over the region.
