Concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted several international airlines to suspend their flights to the region. Among them, Air India has announced an indefinite halt to its services to and from Tel Aviv. The suspension, effective immediately, was implemented due to heightened conflict between Iran and Israel.
Air India, in a statement on X, said, “In light of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect.” This decision follows increased tensions after the assassination of key leaders from militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, which has fueled fears of a broader regional conflict.
In view of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended with immediate effect until further notice. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are offering a full refund to…
— Air India (@airindia) August 9, 2024
Other airlines have also adjusted their flight schedules in response to the deteriorating situation. Air France has extended its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until August 11, while Delta Airlines has halted its services between New York and Tel Aviv until August 31. Additionally, the Algerian airline has temporarily suspended flights to and from Lebanon until further notice, and a German airline has announced it will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, suspending flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut, through August 13. Singapore Airlines has also rerouted flights to avoid flying over Iranian airspace.
These suspensions come amid growing concerns over a potential Iranian retaliation following the killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. The assassination has escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran blaming Israel for the attack and vowing a strong response. Leaders from Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups have also pledged retaliation, raising fears of a regional war and sparking international efforts to prevent further violence.
Adding to the rising tension, Russia, an ally of Iran, issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting flights from departing Russian airports to Israeli airports during nighttime hours. This restriction, effective from August 9 to at least August 16, may be extended further as Tehran prepares for a possible attack on Israel. Meanwhile, leaders from the US, Egypt, and Qatar have called on Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations on August 15 to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release deal.
In a joint statement, the three countries said, “A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”
Despite ongoing efforts, disagreements over the timing of a planned swap of Palestinian detainees held by Israel and hostages held by Hamas remain unresolved. Critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse him of delaying talks to end the war in Gaza, which began on October 7 when Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel. Since then, nearly 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian agencies.
The recent assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran has further complicated ceasefire negotiations, with many viewing it as a significant blow to peace efforts. While Israel has not commented on the killing, US officials believe Hamas can resume negotiations despite the July 31 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who had been leading talks for Hamas.