Amid Middle East tensions, Air India suspends flights to Tel Aviv

Air India on Aug 2 said it suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv-Yafo in Israel due to Middle East tensions, with immediate effect. The flight operations were suspended until Aug 8, the airline said in a statement.

The decision comes amid heightened regional conflict following a rocket attack on the Golan Heights, allegedly carried out by Hezbollah, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 12 children. In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted a strike in southern Lebanon, killing Fouad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander.

The airline's statement highlighted that, due to the ongoing situation, all flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended until Aug 8, 2024. Air India emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and is offering support to passengers with confirmed bookings during this period. The airline is providing a one-time waiver for rescheduling and cancelation fees for affected travelers.

"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 Aug 8, 2024," reads the statement.

"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 cancelation charges. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Center at 011-69329333 or 011-69329999," the statement added.

Air India operates four flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv every week.

The airline informed that it had canceled flights AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi on Aug 1 due to operational reasons. Passengers with bookings on these flights will also receive a waiver on rescheduling and cancelation charges. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to its customers.

"Passengers having confirmed bookings for travel on these two flights will be provided with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancelation charges. The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted," said the airline.