Air India Cancels Tel Aviv Flights, Airlines Reroute Westward Traffic Amidst Middle East Tensions

15 Apr 2024 , 12:33 PM

Air India has temporarily halted its Tel Aviv flights due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, prompting airlines to find alternative routes to avoid Iranian airspace.

Avoiding Iranian airspace will lead to longer flight paths, resulting in increased operational costs for carriers and possibly higher airfares for passengers.

Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and other international airlines are opting for alternative flight paths to Western destinations.

The change in flight paths has caused flight durations to increase by approximately half an hour, leading to higher operational costs, increased fuel consumption, and potential adjustments in crew scheduling.

The rise in expenses may be transferred to passengers through increased airfares.

The decision to suspend Tel Aviv flights comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran launching a retaliatory attack involving drones and missiles against Israel.

Air India operates four weekly flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, and the Tata Group-owned carrier had recently resumed services to Tel Aviv on March 3 after a hiatus of nearly five months.

Air India and Vistara are adjusting their flight paths in response to the Middle East situation, while IndiGo is avoiding Iranian airspace for its flights to Istanbul, operated with aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines.

Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, with airlines operating on alternative flight paths to and from India.

India expressed concerns over the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, emphasizing the threat to regional peace and security.

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