New Delhi: Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, Indian airline companies are likely to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv. The major development came following Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched more than 200 projectiles at Israel on Saturday night, including dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
According to the sources of news agency ANI, "Flight operations to and from Israel are likely to be suspended, an official announcement will follow." An Air India flight safely 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, are operating commercial flights between Israel and India.
Air India and Vistara taking long routes to reach Israel
India's two major airlines - Air India and Vistara, have already announced the avoidance of Iranian airspace and are taking longer flight paths for their Europe and US operations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Indian airlines are altering flight paths for Europe and the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. "Air India and Vistara, two major carriers, have opted to avoid Iranian airspace following the Indian government's advisory urging citizens to steer clear of travel to Iran. As a result, they are now taking longer routes to ensure passenger safety and operational stability," said the official.
Similarly, Vistara Air issued a statement regarding the change in flight path due to ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. In the statement, Vistara Airlines said, "Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to the flight paths of some of our flights. Contingency routes, which are kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being used instead." Vistara Airlines has acknowledged that it will be taking longer routes as a precautionary measure, resulting in increased travel time to reach destinations.
"This may result in longer flight times on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being monitored closely and further changes will be made if required," a Vistara spokesperson said. Air India, the largest Indian airline with extensive operations in Europe, the US, and the Middle East, has said they are monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. "We are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. Presently, our aircraft will operate on alternate flight paths to and from India, according to the top priority of the safety of our passengers and crew," Air India said in a statement.
India appeals its citizens to avoid trip to Israel and Iran
On April 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory to Indian citizens and asked them to refrain from travelling to both countries until further notice. The ministry further asked people in Iran or Israel to contact Indian embassies and register themselves. In an official release, the MEA said, "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with the Indian Embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum."
(With inputs from agency)
Also Read: Israel claims 99 per cent of drones, missiles launched by Iran intercepted I VIDEO
