Air India Suspends Tel Aviv Flights Amid Middle East Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has announced an immediate suspension of all flights to and from Tel Aviv until 8 August.

The airline, which typically operates four weekly flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, cited safety concerns as the reason for the temporary halt.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Air India posted, “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 with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024.”

“We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges,” the statement added.

The airline assured passengers with confirmed bookings during this period that they would receive support, including a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation fees.

“The safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority,” emphasized the Tata-owned carrier.

This announcement follows the cancellation of Air India’s flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv on 1 August due to operational reasons.

Other international airlines, including Germany’s Lufthansa and Italy’s ITA, have also suspended flights to the region amid the rising tensions.

The current unrest follows the assassination of Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard on Wednesday.

Assailants killed Haniyeh after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps accused Israel of orchestrating the attack and promised a harsh and painful response.

Further heightening the tensions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif was killed in airstrikes conducted by IDF fighter jets last month.

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