Have Flights Resumed at Israel's Ramon Airport After the Houthi Drone Strike?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Flights at Ramon Airport have resumed after a brief suspension.
- The drone strike was carried out by the Houthi group from Yemen.
- At least two individuals sustained minor injuries.
- The Israeli military confirmed the drone was detected but not classified as hostile.
- Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi positions.
Jerusalem, Sep 8 (NationPress) Flights at Ramon Airport, located in southern Israel, have recommenced this afternoon following a brief suspension of operations due to a drone attack by the Houthi group from Yemen that impacted the arrivals area, according to the Israel Airports Authority.
“After less than two hours of halted operations, Ramon Airport is back to full functionality,” stated a spokesperson from the authority. “Following a thorough assessment of the situation along with necessary safety checks, the green light was given for both takeoffs and landings.”
The inaugural flight departing after the incident was operated by Arkia Israeli Airlines, heading to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The Magen David Adom rescue service in Israel reported that at least two individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital in the nearby resort city of Eilat.
Operations were paused for approximately two hours while the Israeli military investigated the drone strike, which it confirmed was launched from Yemen.
In a statement shared via Telegram, the Israeli military indicated that the drone was detected by the Israeli Air Force systems; however, it was not categorized as a hostile drone, thus the interception and alert systems were not activated.
The Iran-aligned Houthis took responsibility for the drone attack on Ramon Airport, as stated by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree during a televised address.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been launching long-range missiles and drones targeting Israel, asserting these attacks are acts of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, targeting strategic locations including the vital Red Sea port of Hodeidah.