Ramon Airport Evacuated, Flights Suspended After 4.5-Magnitude Earthquake Near Eilat, Israel

Israel: Ramon Airport in southern Israel was evacuated and flight operations temporarily suspended on Wednesday morning after a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck the Gulf of Eilat and Red Sea region, triggering seismic alerts across parts of southern Israel.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:24–11:25 a.m. local time. Preliminary data from Israel’s Geological Survey identified the epicentre near Taba in Egypt’s southern Sinai Peninsula, approximately 224 kilometres from Israeli territory, at a depth of around eight kilometres. The initial magnitude estimate of 4.4 was subsequently revised to 4.5.

Following the tremor, Israel’s Home Front Command issued earthquake alerts for Eilat, Eilot, Be’er Ora, Elifaz, the Timna Mines and the Shahoret Industrial Zone, urging residents to evacuate buildings and move to open spaces.

Residents in Eilat reported feeling the tremors, with some describing beds and chairs shaking and buildings swaying during the earthquake.

Airport authorities immediately ordered the evacuation of Ramon Airport, also known as Ilan Ramon Airport. The Israel Airports Authority subsequently announced the temporary suspension of all flight operations pending comprehensive safety inspections of the runway, airport infrastructure and terminal facilities.

At least one Arkia aircraft that was already airborne was instructed not to land at the airport, resulting in a delay.

No casualties or injuries were reported. Initial assessments indicated no major structural damage, although local reports mentioned minor damage, including broken glass at the airport.

Emergency services and the Israel Defense Forces were monitoring the situation, while technical teams continued inspections to determine whether airport operations could safely resume.

The situation remained under review, with further updates expected following the completion of safety assessments.

Israel's last deadly earthquake occurred in 1927 along the Syrian-African Rift Valley, a major geological fault system extending through the region.