In a major heightening of tensions in the Middle East, several global airlines, including Air India, have canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv following a missile fired by Yemeni Houthi rebels that exploded near Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday.

The missile attack, which took place at about midday, left travellers in a state of panic and left at least eight people injured, Israeli emergency services said. The projectile hit close to an access road to an airport, leaving a huge crater but no important structural damage to airport facilities.

Air India said it would suspend its Delhi-Tel Aviv flights until May 6, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew. Affected passengers will be given full refunds and help.

Other major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Air France have also suspended flights to Tel Aviv. Lufthansa suspended flights until May 6, and British Airways extended its suspension until May 7.

The Houthi rebels said they had attacked Ben Gurion Airport, making it unsafe. This was a rare penetration of Israel's air defense systems, which normally intercept such attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the attack outrageous and said he would retaliate. This follows heightened regional tension and growing confrontation between Israel and a number of militant organizations.

Even with the attack, Ben Gurion Airport operated normally in 30 minutes, and carriers like El Al, Arkia, and Israir were operating as per normal.

The missile strike puts into context the growing reach of the Houthi rebels and rising instability in the region, prompting airlines to re-evaluate flight operations and safety protocols.