Amid West Asia crisis, Air India extends suspension of international flights to Israel till July-end
In the wake of the West Asia conflict, which started in late February, airlines have been facing multiple headwinds, including costlier fuel and airspace curbs, which pushed up their operational costs.
Amid continued West Asia crisis, Air India on Thursday said it is extending its suspension of operations on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route till July end. Earlier, the airline had announced suspension till June end but with no clarity on the prevailing security situation in the region, the leading Indian carrier has decided to further extend its suspension of operations on the route by another month.
A senior executive heading the airlines' Israel operations told PTI that the "schedule amendment (has been) notified yesterday evening." The flights have been "further suspended till 31 July due to the geopolitical situation," he said.
Airlines facing multiple headwinds amid West Asia crisis
In the wake of the West Asia conflict, which started in late February, airlines have been facing multiple headwinds, including costlier fuel and airspace curbs, which pushed up their operational costs.
Earlier in April, the Indian carrier announced to put on hold its operations till the end of May, which now is further extended. Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran holding on for some time, the uncertainties surrounding the situation in West Asia have pushed the majority of airlines to stop operating on the Tel Aviv route.
Air India flight suspension causes major worries among passengers
Besides Israeli carriers like El Al, IsraAir, Arkia and Air Haifa, only a few other international airlines have resumed operations, posing great challenges for those looking to travel abroad for work, vacation or family visits.
The suspension of Air India flights has caused major worries among more than 40,000 Indians living in Israel who wish to travel to India for personal/professional reasons, or even to escape the uncertainties in the region. The limited options also mean heightened costs, which is a major concern among Indian workers.
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