A drone originating from Yemen struck the arrivals hall at Israel's Ramon Airport on September 7, 2025, leading to a temporary suspension of air traffic. Two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel during the incident.
The Israeli Airports Authority confirmed that Ramon Airport resumed full operations after a brief shutdown, following comprehensive safety and security checks. The Israeli military has initiated an investigation into how the drone evaded detection systems. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group controlling parts of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This event marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities, extending the conflict's reach to civilian infrastructure within Israel. In response, Israel has conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The Houthis have previously vowed to intensify attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping routes, particularly following Israeli strikes on Yemen, including a recent operation on the Hodeidah port.
Ramon Airport, which opened in January 2019, serves as a secondary hub to Israel's main Ben Gurion Airport. The Houthis' drone capabilities have reportedly evolved, with some models possessing ranges of up to 1,500 km, enabling strikes far beyond Yemen's borders. This attack highlights the growing threat posed by such long-range capabilities and raises questions about the effectiveness of air defense systems.
The incident follows a pattern of Houthi actions since November 2023, which have included missile and drone attacks on Israel and disruptions to Red Sea shipping lanes, all framed as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The broader implications of the conflict continue to be felt across the region, impacting geopolitical dynamics, global trade routes, and economic stability.