Amid Israel-Iran War: No Air India flights to/from Tel Aviv till August 8. 

Air India remarked, " In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operations of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 8 August 2024." 

The ongoing war between Israel and Iran has led to the killing of over 35,000 civilians, including army personnel of both countries. This has led to the risk of piracy and hostage-taking in the Gulf region. 

Air India further stated, "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 of out guests and crew remains our foremost priority." 

The intervention in swift aviation services to Tel Aviv from India existed following the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah senior general Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Air India has been the only carrier providing at least 10 flights per week services between India and Israel. 

As per the statement by IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): "Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their house was hit in Tehran. A projectile hit a residence allocated to war veterans in Tehran at 2 AM (Local standard time) on Wednesday, based on a report released by Press TV Report. 

Then, on August 1, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Stated that Hamas military wing commander Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip on July 13. IDF gave a statement in a post on X, "We can now confirm: Mohammed Deif was eliminated." 

Events unfolding in MIddle-East. 

Iran and Israel developed their adversary relationships after the post-Iranian Revolution of 1979. Religious and ideological differences further fueled this; for instance, Iran is an Islamic republic governed by Shia Islam, and on the other hand, Israel follows Judaism. 

Hamas, in early October 2023, launched an attack on Israel that eliminated around 1200 lives, and to retaliate, Israel committed to eliminate Hamas. As per the recent news, there were also reports of the killing of a high-ranking Hezbollah official named Shukr in Lebanon's capital. Israel suspects the Shukr's involvement in a recent rocket strike that claimed 12 lives in the Golan Heights (area under Israel). However, Hezbollah rejected any linkages!! 

Current Consequences. 

Tensions between Israel and Iran led to a global market interruption. This affected the aerospace industry along with sea routes. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels (In Yemen) have been striking ships in the Red Sea, resulting in hindrance of global shipping. 

A series of casualties are taking place in this region, compelling Air India to pause its services to Tel Aviv. This decision has come to light following the killings of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah, who was claimed to be involved in a rocket strike in the Golan Heights.  

When will Air India continue its operations to Israel from India?

Based on a recent statement by Air India, all the services may begin from August 8, 2024.