New Wings For Old Bonds: Air India’s Direct Delhi-Tel Aviv Flights To Take Off Again In January 2026
New Wings For Old Bonds: Air India’s Direct Delhi-Tel Aviv Flights To Take Off Again In January 2026
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) officially announced a significant enhancement in bilateral connectivity with the confirmed resumption of Air India's direct flight service between New Delhi (DEL) and Tel Aviv (TLV), scheduled to relaunch on January 1, 2026. This move, which follows a period of suspension due to regional tensions, is poised to provide a powerful stimulus for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Israel.
The restored nonstop route will operate five times a week, from Sunday to Thursday, utilising Air India's advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This direct link dramatically cuts travel time between the two capitals to approximately five and a half hours, a convenience achieved by utilising a secure, shorter path over Saudi Arabian airspace.
The flight schedule has been tailored for maximum convenience, designed to facilitate easy onward connections for travellers:
Delhi to Tel Aviv: The flight will depart Delhi at 7 am and arrive in Tel Aviv at 9.55 am.
Tel Aviv to Delhi: The return flight will depart Tel Aviv at 11.40 am and arrive in Delhi at 8.50 pm the same day.
“The return of Air India's direct flights is a genuine game-changer and a huge win for us," said Galit Hoffman, Consul for Tourism Affairs for India at the IMOT. “This direct link is our biggest priority to fuel tourism from India, making it easier than ever for Indian travellers to experience the rich culture, history and vibrant landscapes of Israel."
The relaunch is a key component of Israel's strategy to significantly increase the influx of high-value Indian tourists. The IMOT has actively pushed for better air links, with Israel's Tourism Minister Haim Katz previously advocating for the reinstatement of the Delhi route and the launch of a new Mumbai-Tel Aviv route by 2026.
Adding to the positive momentum, Israeli carrier Arkia Airlines has also expressed strong interest in reopening its own direct routes to India, evaluating the use of its long-range Airbus A321neo LR jets for destinations like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. The competition and capacity boost are expected to stabilise airfares and promote two-way traffic, strengthening the already robust diplomatic and economic ties between the nations.
Source: News18
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