New Delhi: Air India has announced the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel until October 14th (Saturday) to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew, according to a statement from the airline’s spokesperson on Sunday.
“Air India will extend all possible support to passengers who have confirmed bookings on any flight during this period,” the Air India spokesperson added.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 14th October, 2023, for the safety of our passengers and crew. Air India will extend all possible support to passengers who have confirmed bookings on any flight during this period.
— Air India (@airindia) October 8, 2023
Earlier, the Air India flight scheduled for Saturday from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, along with its return journey from Tel Aviv to New Delhi, was cancelled.
“An Air India Flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 07 October 2023 and the return flight AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi has been cancelled in the interests and safety of our guests and crew,” a spokesperson for Air India said.
Following the rocket attacks from Gaza and Hamas militant infiltration in Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a statement that the country is at war.
“Citizens of Israel, We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens…The enemy will pay an unprecedented price…We are at war and we will win it,” Netanyahu said.
India’s Representative Office to Palestine has asked all Indian nationals in Ramallah to directly contact the office in case of emergency or if any assistance is needed. The Representative Office also provided a 24-hour emergency helpline.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory for its nationals on Saturday, requesting that they remain vigilant and observe safety protocols.