Air India To Resume Direct New Delhi–Tel Aviv Flights From January 2026

Air India is preparing to resume its direct flight service between New Delhi (DEL) and Tel Aviv (TLV), with operations scheduled to recommence on January 1, 2026. Like many international airlines, Air India halted its operations to Israel following the events of October 7, 2023, making only limited, short-term returns to Tel Aviv over the past two years due to continuing regional instability.

The Frequency

The reinstated route by Air India will feature five weekly flights, operating from Sunday to Thursday, and will utilise the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This direct connection will considerably reduce travel time, with an average flight duration of approximately five and a half hours, following a secure and shorter route over Saudi Arabia.

The timetable has been designed for passenger convenience: the Tel Aviv to Delhi service will depart at 11:40 am and arrive at 8:50 pm, while the Delhi to Tel Aviv flight will leave at 7 am and reach its destination at 9:55 am, allowing smooth onward connections.

Meanwhile, Arkia Airlines, an Israeli carrier, has also expressed strong interest in reinstating its own direct services to India. Should Arkia proceed, it could further strengthen air connectivity between the two nations, opening up greater opportunities for travel to destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. The airline is currently evaluating the deployment of its long-range Airbus A321neo LR aircraft for these prospective routes.

International Flight Restrictions and Responses

Several individual countries have implemented diplomatic and economic measures that have affected aspects of air travel. Türkiye, for instance, has closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft, effectively halting direct flights. Malaysia has prohibited Israeli-flagged vessels from entering its ports, a restriction that could extend to state-owned airlines as a form of protest against Israel’s military actions.

While not an official flight ban, there have also been instances of ground staff boycotts at certain airports, such as in Brussels, due to the conflict in Gaza, forcing airlines to rely on volunteer crews to operate flights to Tel Aviv.

Carriers, including Air Malta, Icelandair, Korean Air, Pegasus Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, point to security risks, regional instability, and operational challenges as factors. Some national contexts, such as Iceland’s governmental criticism or isolated ground-staff boycotts at airports like Brussels, reflect human-rights concerns indirectly, yet these have not translated into formal airline policies.

FAQs

Why are many airlines suspending flights to Israel?
Most foreign carriers that have paused or cancelled services to Tel Aviv cite security concerns and air‑space instability.

Is there any sign of flights resuming soon?
Yes — some airlines have either resumed services or announced plans to do so, but many continue to delay return due to security or regulatory concerns.

When will Air India resume its direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv?
Air India is set to restart its direct service between New Delhi (DEL) and Tel Aviv (TLV) on January 1, 2026.

How often will the flights operate?
The airline will operate five weekly flights, running from Sunday to Thursday, providing convenient options for both business and leisure travellers.