PNN – Air India has once again postponed the resumption of direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; Air India has once again postponed the resumption of direct flights between Tel Aviv and New Delhi, setting a new start date of October 1, 2026. In a statement, the airline noted that it reserves the right to review this decision before ticket sales begin, citing “ongoing security uncertainties” in the region as the primary reason for the delay. According to the Israeli business newspaper Calcalist, Air India operated seven round-trip flights per week between the two capitals prior to the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. The company had previously planned to resume flights starting in August, but a new decision has extended the suspension period until October. With this continued suspension, Israel will effectively have no direct flights to India, forcing travelers to use indirect routes with layovers in third countries. Currently, El Al (Israel), Etihad Airways (UAE), and Ethiopian Airlines serve as alternative options for travelers on this route.
Calcalist has emphasized that the suspension of Air India flights goes beyond merely eliminating a direct route to India; it also deprives Israeli travelers of the benefits associated with the airline’s membership in the global “Star Alliance.” According to the report, the temporary suspension of these flights means Israeli passengers will lose access to the alliance’s extensive network—which allows for connections to hundreds of international destinations on a single ticket and automatic baggage transfer to the final destination—as well as the ability to utilize loyalty programs, exchange miles, access airport lounges, and receive priority travel services. Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, many foreign airlines have suspended or completely cancelled their operations to Israel. Statistics indicate that prior to the war, there was an average of more than 70 international flights daily from Ben Gurion Airport; however, this figure has dropped to less than half during certain months.
Numerous airlines have halted or curtailed their operations to date, including the US carrier Delta Air Lines, which has announced the suspension of its services until further notice. United Airlines also announced a suspension lasting until early 2025, a period that was subsequently extended. British Airways halted flights until March 2024, resuming service with limited capacity thereafter. Germany’s Lufthansa also suspended operations until January 2024, subsequently resuming service with a reduced number of flights.
American Airlines implemented a complete suspension of flights until October 2024 and has not yet returned to the Israel route. Air France suspended flights for four months before resuming service with a limited schedule. South Korea’s Korean Air maintained a suspension until mid-2024 before resuming operations. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific also fully suspended service and has not yet resumed flights. Additionally, the UAE’s Flydubai has significantly reduced the number of its flights to Israel.
Estimates indicate that, compared to pre-war levels, approximately 30 to 40 percent of Israel’s international flight capacity has yet to be restored, and many major airlines still lack a clear plan for a full return. Air India has also joined the ranks of carriers that have repeatedly extended their suspensions.