Air India Extends Tel Aviv Flight Suspension Till September Amid Rising West Asia Tensions
Amid escalating military activity and security concerns in West Asia, Air India has announced an extension of its suspension of flights on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route until the end of September 2026. The airline has been progressively prolonging the halt since April, citing the volatile security situation in the region.
The decision comes as the United States and Iran have intensified hostilities over the past ten days. US forces have targeted infrastructure in Iran, including bridges, water desalination plants, and electrical facilities, while Tehran has retaliated by striking US bases in allied nations across West Asia. The renewed conflict has prompted several international carriers to adopt a 'wait and watch' policy.
A senior Air India executive overseeing the airline's Israel operations confirmed to PTI that services would remain suspended 'till September end due to security concerns.' Only a handful of carriers, including Israeli airlines El Al, IsraAir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, continue to operate, creating significant challenges for travellers seeking to fly for work, vacation, or family visits.
The suspension has caused distress among the over 40,000 Indian nationals residing in Israel, many of whom rely on Air India's direct flights to travel to India for personal or professional reasons, or to seek respite from the region's uncertainties. The airline initially halted operations in April, initially until end-May, then extended to end-July, and now to end-September.
The ongoing conflict, which began in late February 2026, has disrupted air travel across the region. Air India's repeated extensions reflect the persistent instability, and the lack of viable alternatives has left many Indian expatriates with limited options. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to monitor updates from the airline and relevant authorities.
