TEL AVIV — Ben Gurion International Airport has been forced into an emergency shutdown after debris from intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles landed on and around the main runway, the Israel Airports Authority announced Thursday night.
The incident occurred when Israeli Arrow and Iron Dome systems intercepted a salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles over central Israel. Debris from at least three intercepted missiles fell across the airport complex, damaging the primary runway and several aircraft that were preparing for departure.
No casualties were reported at the airport, but thousands of passengers were stranded as all incoming and outgoing flights were immediately suspended. Airlines have begun diverting flights to Ramon Airport in Eilat and Haifa Airport.
Israeli authorities confirmed that at least one unintercepted missile fragment struck a hangar on the northern end of the airport, causing significant structural damage. The Israel Defense Forces are conducting sweeps of the area for unexploded ordnance.
This marks the first time Ben Gurion Airport has been forced to close due to direct enemy action since its construction. The closure is expected to last at least 48 hours pending full safety inspections.
The incident has caused chaos in global air travel, with dozens of connecting flights disrupted across Europe, North America, and Asia. Major airlines including El Al, Delta, and Lufthansa have suspended all flights to Tel Aviv indefinitely.