Great News
Air India Returns to Israel: Giant Airline Resumes Direct Flights After Months-Long Pause
For Israeli travelers, the return means renewed access to Air India's extensive network throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond, with Delhi serving as a major hub for connections to destinations across Asia.
After months of absence due to security concerns, aviation giant Air India touched down at Ben Gurion Airport today, officially resuming operations in Israel.
Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv service has been hugely popular since its launch, thanks largely to its shortened flight path that passes over Saudi Arabia and Oman. This route cuts flight time to approximately 5.5 hours westbound, making India more accessible than ever for Israeli travelers. The direct connection serves both leisure tourists exploring India's diverse attractions and business professionals working with one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The shortened route, made possible by improved regional aviation agreements, has transformed what was once a lengthy journey with connections into a convenient direct flight.
In May 2024, the airline suspended its Israeli operations amid the ongoing security situation, leaving a gap in direct connectivity to the Indian subcontinent.
The resumption of Air India's operations is part of a broader trend of airlines gradually returning to Israel as the security situation stabilizes. India's national carrier joining the roster of airlines serving Ben Gurion Airport signals growing confidence in the route's viability and demand.
The airline's return is expected to be welcomed by the Israeli tourism industry, which has maintained strong ties with Indian travelers, as well as by the business community seeking efficient connections to India's major commercial centers.