Air India has announced an extension of its flight suspension to Tel Aviv, pushing the halt in services on the Delhi-Tel Aviv route until the end of July. This decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, which have impacted airline operations since late February.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the national carrier had previously extended the suspension until the end of June. However, a lack of clarity on the prevailing security situation has prompted the further month-long extension. A senior executive involved in the airline’s Israel operations confirmed that the schedule amendment was notified earlier this week.
Airlines operating in the West Asian region have been navigating significant challenges, including increased fuel costs and airspace restrictions, which have driven up operational expenses. Air India had initially placed its operations on hold until the end of May, a suspension that has now been progressively extended.
Despite periods of ceasefire in the region, the persistent uncertainties have led many international airlines to suspend or significantly curtail services to Tel Aviv. Alongside Israeli carriers such as El Al, IsraAir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, only a limited number of other global airlines have resumed operations on this route.
The continued suspension of Air India flights has raised concerns among the more than 40,000 Indian nationals residing in Israel. Many of these individuals wish to travel to India for personal or professional reasons, or potentially to seek refuge from the regional instability. The reduced availability of flight options also translates to higher travel costs, a significant worry for Indian workers abroad.
The Chenab Times News Desk