Air India has announced the suspension of its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, effective immediately and lasting until August 8, 2024, in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 8 August, 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority,” Air India stated.
On Thursday evening, Air India had already cancelled a scheduled flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, citing operational reasons.
Escalating Conflict
The Middle East is experiencing heightened tensions following the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and has had significant political repercussions across the region, affecting countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
ALSO READ: Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif killed in Israeli strike
The situation further deteriorated after a bomb exploded in Tehran, killing Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh. Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating the assassination, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, calling for a direct attack on Israel.
Regional Impact
The ongoing conflict and subsequent political fallout have led many countries to exercise caution in the region. Hezbollah has fired dozens of rockets at Israel amid rising tensions, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed a “military response” to Israel’s actions.
ALSO READ: Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran, group slams ‘Zionist strike’
Air India’s decision to suspend flights highlights the broader impact of the conflict on international travel and regional stability. The airline has assured passengers with confirmed bookings to and from Tel Aviv that they will receive support, including a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation fees, to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the suspension.
