A drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck the passenger terminal at Ramon International Airport near Eilat in Israel’s southern district on 2025-09-07. The attack caused damage to the terminal, including blown-out glass windows, and resulted in one person being lightly wounded by shrapnel. The Israeli Airports Authority confirmed the drone had breached Israel’s air defence systems and impacted the airport’s passenger hall. The incident prompted the temporary closure of airspace over southern Israel and the diversion of flights.
The Israeli military reported that three Houthi drones were intercepted near the border with Egypt, but failed to detect the fourth drone that reached the airport. A preliminary investigation indicated the drone had not been identified by Israel’s air force detection systems. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was part of a broader escalation in response to Israeli strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other senior officials.
Two people were injured in the attack, according to Haaretz citing Israeli rescue services. A 63-year-old man sustained light shrapnel wounds, and a 52-year-old woman was injured after falling, likely due to panic. Emergency personnel evacuated both to a hospital in Eilat, while others who experienced panic attacks received on-site medical care. The airport, primarily serving domestic flights, resumed operations within hours of the incident.