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Rediff.com  » News » India likely to suspend flight operations to Israel

India likely to suspend flight operations to Israel

By Ashoke Raj
April 14, 2024 17:43 IST
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Indian airline companies are likely to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

IMAGE: Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle is pictured at an air base, said to be following an interception mission of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel, in this handout image released April 14, 2024. Photograph: Israel Defence Forces/Handout via Reuters

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, "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 on Saturday 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.

India's two major airlines -- Air India and Vistara -- have announced the avoidance of Iranian airspace and are taking longer flight paths for their Europe and United States 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.

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 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 that they are monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East.

Air India said in a statement, '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.'

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 who are currently in Iran or Israel to contact Indian embassies and register themselves.

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Ashoke Raj
Source: ANI
 
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