Jerusalem: Citing persistent geopolitical uncertainties across West Asia, Air India has announced an extension of its suspension on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route until the end of July.
The national carrier had earlier this month decided to halt operations on the route until June 30. However, with the security situation in the region remaining unclear, the airline has chosen to prolong the suspension by an additional month.A senior executive responsible for Air India’s operations in Israel confirmed the development to PTI, stating that the schedule amendment was notified on Wednesday evening. The flights will remain suspended until July 31 due to the prevailing geopolitical conditions.The decision comes against the backdrop of the West Asia conflict that erupted in late February, which has created significant operational challenges for airlines. These include elevated fuel prices and restrictions on airspace, resulting in increased costs for carriers.
Air India had initially paused services on the route until the end of May before extending it further. Despite a temporary ceasefire holding between the US and Iran, uncertainties in the broader region have led most international airlines to suspend flights to Tel Aviv.
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Only a handful of carriers, including Israeli airlines such as El Al, IsraAir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, along with a few others, have resumed limited operations. This has created considerable difficulties for passengers needing to travel for business, leisure, or family reasons.
The prolonged suspension has raised particular concerns among the Indian community in Israel. More than 40,000 Indians residing there face limited travel options to return home for personal or professional commitments or to leave amid the regional instability. The scarcity of flights has also driven up ticket prices, adding financial strain on Indian workers and travellers.
This latest extension underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation sector in navigating the complex security environment in West Asia. Air India’s decision reflects a cautious approach aimed at ensuring passenger safety while the situation remains fluid.