Why Air India cancels flights to Israel?

Amid the escalating tension in Israel, Air India has canceled all its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, until 8th August. 

There has been ongoing tension in Israel and the rest of the Middle East, and this is the main reason that there have been cancellations of flights globally from and to Israel or affected areas. 

“In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv amid with immediate effect up to and including 8 August 2024," Air India said. 

Air India normally operates at least four flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv every week. 

The decision was taken due to operational reasons, and Air India had to cancel its flight A1139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and A1140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi on the 1st of August. It was followed by the cancellation of all the flights until the 8th of August. 

"Passengers having confirmed bookings for travel on these two flights will be provided with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted," Air India said to reduce the impact of the cancellation these passengers have faced and provide ease. 

The main reason behind this decision is the Israel-Iran tensions and the safety of the passengers and people who trust Air India for their journeys. They do not want to risk the lives of their passengers as Air India holds the responsibility of the ones who travel with them to make them reach their destination safely.

The airline further added, “The Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999.”

The situation has not been normal since the war was started between Israel and Palestine Group Hamas. There have been repeated bombings that are creating hassle and eventually making these laces unsafe. The conflict is not limited to Palestine, as it has reached to other countries such as Iran, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. 

This is the main reason that it is not just Air India and the concerns are on the international level; there are different airlines globally who are making cancellation of their flight from and to Israel, including the affected countries, to ensure the safety of its passengers. 

Other Airlines that have made cancellations of the flight because of this conflict are Swiss International Airlines, Germany’s Lufthansa Groups, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and other USA Airlines and European Airlines. 

United Airlines had daily flights scheduled to Israel amid the tension between the two parties. Delta Airlines also had cancellations of flights from New York to Tel Aviv to look after the safety of the passengers. 

According to the report by USA Today, the airlines are concerned for the safety of their passengers and ensuring they do not face any inconvenience. 

“Beginning with this evening’s flight from Newark Liberty to Tel Aviv, we are suspending for security reasons our daily Tel Aviv service as we evaluate our next step,” a spokesperson from United told USA Today.