Air India has cancelled its flight operations to and from the Israeli capital city of Tel Aviv till October 14 following the Saturday Hamas attack. The airline said it will extend all possible help to passengers who have confirmed bookings on any flight during this period, said a spokesperson, as per a PTI report. Palestinian militant group Hamas launched scathing attacks against Israel on Saturday as it fired over 5,000 rockets towards central and Southern Israel from Gaza strip.
"Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 14th October, 2023, for the safety of our passengers and crew," said the airline spokesperson in a statement.
The full service carrier operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The cancellation of flights comes as an extension after the airlines had suspended the operations on Saturday as well.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned it as “terrorist attacks” and expressed solidarity with Israel as its leader Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is at war.
Following the attacks, the Indian Embassy at Jerusalem and the Representative Office of India in Palestine on Saturday issued advisories asking Indian nationals in respective countries to “remain vigilant” and “directly contact the Office” in case of emergency.
“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters,” stated the Embassy in its advisory.
Meanwhile Representative Office of India to Palestine also issued a public notice saying: "In light of the prevailing security situation, Indian nationals in Palestine can directly contact the Representative Office of India to address any case of emergency or needed assistance on the 24-hours emergency helpline."