New Delhi: Indian airline companies are expected to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran and its proxies, operating from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, launched over 200 projectiles towards Israel on Saturday night, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Sources indicate that flight operations to and from Israel are likely to be suspended, with an official announcement to follow. An Air India flight successfully landed in Tel Aviv yesterday at Tel Aviv International Airport and is scheduled to operate from Tel Aviv to India. Two major airlines, El Al and Air India, currently operate commercial flights between Israel and India. India's two major airlines, Air India and Vistara, have announced the avoidance of Iranian airspace and are opting for longer flight paths for their Europe and US operations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Indian airlines are adjusting flight paths for Europe and the Middle East due to the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Air India and Vistara, two major carriers, have decided to avoid Iranian airspace following the Indian government's advisory urging citizens to refrain from travel to Iran. Consequently, they are taking longer routes to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew members. Vistara Air issued a statement regarding the alteration in flight paths due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
In the statement, Vistara Airlines mentioned, "Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to flight paths for some of our flights. Contingency routes, kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being utilized instead."
Vistara Airlines has acknowledged that it will be utilizing longer routes as a precautionary measure, resulting in extended travel times to reach destinations. "This may lead to longer flight durations on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being closely monitored, and further adjustments will be made if necessary," stated a Vistara spokesperson. Air India, the largest Indian airline with extensive operations in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, has affirmed that they are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East.
Air India stated in a release, "We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. Currently, our aircraft will operate on alternative flight paths to and from India, prioritizing the safety of our passengers and crew." On April 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory to Indian citizens, advising them to refrain from traveling to both countries until further notice. The ministry also urged individuals currently in Iran or Israel to contact Indian embassies and register themselves.
In an official communication, the MEA stated, "Considering the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised against traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice. Those residing in Iran or Israel are requested to reach out to Indian Embassies and register themselves. They are also advised to exercise utmost caution for their safety and minimize their movements." Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Reports suggest that Tehran vowed retaliation after Israel carried out airstrikes on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, resulting in the deaths of at least seven officials.
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