In a significant move to re-establish air connectivity, Air India resumed its non-stop flight operations between India and Israel on New Year's Day, 1 January 2026. The service, linking Delhi and Tel Aviv, marks the end of a suspension that lasted over seven months, promising a fresh stimulus for tourism and bilateral economic exchange.
From Suspension to Restoration: A Timeline
The Tata Group-owned carrier had initially suspended all flights to Tel Aviv in June 2025. This decision came amidst escalating regional tensions following Iranian missile strikes on a US base in Qatar. At the time, Air India issued a statement announcing an immediate halt to operations not only in the Middle East but also on routes connected to the East Coast of North America and Europe, citing the "developing situation."
The restoration plan was set in motion later last year. In November 2025, Israel's Ministry of Tourism revealed that the revived route would operate with five weekly flights from Sunday to Thursday. The services will be operated using Air India's advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Flight Schedule and Enhanced Connectivity
The detailed schedule, as reported by PTI, facilitates convenient travel for both business and leisure passengers. The flight from Delhi will depart at 7:00 AM and arrive in Tel Aviv at 9:55 AM local time. The return leg from Tel Aviv will depart at 11:40 AM, landing in Delhi at 8:50 PM. This timing is strategically planned to allow for easy onward connections to other destinations, enhancing the route's utility.
Boosting Tourism and Market Dynamism
The resumption has been warmly welcomed by officials from both nations. The Indian Embassy in Israel took to social media platform X to announce, "Direct connectivity is back!" encouraging Indian and Israeli travellers to utilise the direct air link.
Galit Hoffman, Consul for Tourism Affairs at the Israel Ministry of Tourism for India, called the return of direct flights a "genuine game-changer." She emphasised that this link is the top priority to fuel tourism from India, making it simpler for Indian travellers to explore Israel's culture, history, and landscapes.
The renewed interest isn't limited to Air India. Reports indicate that Arkia Airlines, an Israeli carrier, is also evaluating the restart of its direct service to India. The airline is considering deploying its long-range Airbus A321neo LR jets on routes to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa, signalling a dynamic and growing market for travel between the two countries.
The restoration of this vital air corridor is more than just a resumed flight schedule; it represents a strengthening of people-to-people ties and economic bridges between India and Israel, paving the way for increased exchange in the new year.
