Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights till May 31 amid West Asia conflict, concerns grow among Indians

Air India has suspended its flight operations to Israel until May 31 amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, raising concerns among thousands of Indian nationals residing in the region. The decision affects the direct New Delhi–Tel Aviv route and comes as several international airlines continue to avoid operations in the conflict zone.

The suspension has particularly impacted over 40,000 Indians currently living in Israel, many of whom are seeking to return home due to safety concerns or professional commitments. With limited flight options available, uncertainty has increased among the Indian community as tensions persist in the region.

At present, only Israeli carriers such as EL AL, Israir, Arkia and Air Haifa are operating flights on the Tel Aviv route, and that too under strict restrictions. The absence of major international airlines has significantly reduced connectivity, making travel plans more complicated for passengers.

Indians looking to leave Israel are being advised to explore alternative routes, including crossing land borders into Jordan or Egypt to continue their journey. The Indian mission in Tel Aviv has been actively assisting citizens by providing guidance and facilitating travel through available means.

Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador J. P. Singh and the embassy team have been in regular contact with the Indian community. They recently held a virtual interaction with workers and students to address concerns and assure continued support, while maintaining outreach efforts during the ongoing crisis.