Austrian Airlines Suspends Flights to Israel Following Rocket Attack

In the wake of a rocket attack by Islamist militants targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Austrian Airlines (AUA) has announced the cancellation of all scheduled flights to and from Israel for Sunday, May 4, 2025. The decision was reported by the online platform Austrian Wings.

The affected flights include OS 857, scheduled to depart at 10:00 AM, OS 861 at 1:15 PM, and OS 859 at 8:20 PM. Additionally, AUA has suspended flights to Israel for the following two days, with operations halted until May 6, 2025. The airline stated that this measure was taken after a thorough assessment of the current situation and in coordination with the Lufthansa Group.

Low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair have also canceled their flights to and from Israel for the day, with Wizz Air's flights scheduled for 2:40 PM and 3:30 PM being specifically mentioned in the airport's departure schedule. Whether flights will resume the following day remains uncertain, as Ryanair indicated they would reassess the situation in the afternoon. Attempts to reach Wizz Air for comment were unsuccessful.

In contrast, the Israeli airline El Al has continued with its operations, successfully carrying out a flight scheduled to depart at 10:35 AM, with an additional flight planned for 9:35 PM. These flights are reportedly equipped with self-defense systems and are accompanied by armed security personnel to ensure passenger safety.

The rocket attack, which has been claimed by the Houthi militia, resulted in injuries to six individuals at the airport. The escalation of violence has raised concerns regarding air travel safety in the region, prompting airlines to take precautionary measures.

Travelers who had planned to fly to Israel are advised to check with their airlines for updates and alternative arrangements.