Iran-Israel conflict: Indian airlines likely to suspend operations to and from Tel Aviv

Indian airlines are expected to declare the suspension of flight services to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

Iran and its proxies operating in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq fired over 200 projectiles towards Israel on Saturday night, which included numerous ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

According to the sources, “Flight operations to and from Israel are likely to be suspended, an official announcement will follow.”

An Air India flight successfully arrived at Tel Aviv International Airport yesterday, and it is set to depart from Tel Aviv to India. Two prominent airlines, El Al and Air India, are providing commercial flight services between Israel and India.

Two leading Indian airlines, Air India and Vistara, have declared the avoidance of Iranian airspace. They are opting for longer flight routes for their operations to Europe and the US to guarantee the safety of passengers and crew.

Indian airlines are adjusting their flight routes for Europe and the Middle East amid increasing tensions between Iran and Israel. Air India and Vistara, two prominent carriers, have chosen to steer clear of Iranian airspace following the Indian government’s advisory cautioning citizens against travel to Iran. Consequently, they are now opting for longer routes to safeguard passenger safety and ensure operational stability.

Vistara Air released a statement regarding the alteration in flight paths attributed to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.

In the statement, Vistara Airlines said, “Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to flight-paths of some of our flights. Contingency routes, which are kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being used instead.”

Vistara Airlines has acknowledged that, as a precautionary measure, it will be opting for longer routes, leading to extended travel times to reach destinations.

“This may result in longer flight times on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being monitored closely and further changes will be made if required,” a Vistara spokesperson said.

Air India, the largest Indian airline with significant operations in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, has stated that they are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Air India said in a statement, “We are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. Presently, our aircraft will operate on alternate flight paths to and from India, according to the top priority of the safety of our passengers and crew.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory on April 12 urging Indian citizens to refrain from traveling to both Iran and Israel until further notice. Additionally, the ministry advised individuals currently in Iran or Israel to reach out to Indian embassies and register themselves.

In an official release, the MEA said, “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.”

The conflict escalated between Iran and Israel amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to reports, Tehran pledged retaliation after Israel conducted airstrikes on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least seven officials.