Air India on Thursday launched its first direct flight to Tel Aviv from New Delhi, ending the decades-old ban Saudi Arabia had imposed on flights to Israel through its airspace.
It was reported in February that Saudi Arabia had granted Air India permission to use its airspace for the journey from New Delhi to the Israeli capital. The Indian national carrier’s flight to Tel Aviv on Thursday is a major mark in history as Saudi Arabia does not recognise the state of Israel and did not allow flights to the country using its airspace.
Before Air India, Israeli national carrier El Al was the only airline that flew directly to India, with a Tel Aviv-Mumbai flight. While this journey takes eight hours, Saudi Arabia’s approval for Air India shortens the travel time between Tel Aviv and Delhi by two and a half hours.
This direct Air India flight is expected to boost tourism in both Israel and India and strengthen bilateral ties. The 256-seater flight will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 4.50 pm from March 25.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!