New Delhi: In light of escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East, Air India has announced the suspension of its scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8. The airline made the announcement through an official statement, citing safety concerns as the primary reason for this decision.Passenger support and waiversPassengers holding confirmed bookings on the affected flights will be granted a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Air India typically operates four flights weekly from Delhi to Tel Aviv. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to its passengers during this period.Air India tweeted, 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.Safety as a priorityThe airline emphasized that the safety of its guests and crew remains its foremost priority. For further assistance, passengers are advised to contact Air Indias 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999.Context of the suspensionThis decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Irans new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. Iran has accused Israel of orchestrating the attack.Other airlines follow suitFollowing Air Indias lead, Germanys Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines, part of the same group, have also suspended all passenger and cargo flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8. Additionally, they have extended the suspension of flights to Beirut until August 12.
