New Delhi: In the wake of the Israel-Iran tensions, Air India on Sunday decided to temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv. According to an official, the direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv will be suspended for now. Notably, Air India operates four weekly flights between the national capital and Israeli city.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has resumed its services to Tel Aviv on March 3, marking the end of a nearly five-month hiatus. The suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on the Israeli city.
Air India, Vistara Flights To Avoid Iranian Airspace
Indian carriers Air India and Vistara have announced their decision on April 13 to avoid flying from Iranian airspace, citing escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This precautionary measure comes amid rising concerns over potential conflict in West Asia, underscoring the broader implications for global air travel safety. With uncertainties looming over the region, the airlines are prioritising passenger and crew safety by avoiding routes near potential conflict zones.
As tensions escalate in West Asia, the potential for conflict between Iran and Israel casts a foreboding shadow not only over the region but also global air travel. In light of these uncertainties, the airlines are taking preemptive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew by rerouting flights away from potential flashpoints.
Iran on Saturday launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israel, purportedly in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals.
Israel had been on a high alert since, and Iran's attack on Saturday was within the realm of expectations, albeit unprecedented. While Iran has long supported Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has previously launched attacks on Israel, this marked the first instance of Iran directly attacking Israel from its own territory.