Jerusalem :
Air India on Tuesday said it is
extending its suspension of operations on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route till the end
of June, amid uncertainties in the region. A senior executive heading the
airlines’ Israel operations confirmed to PTI about the decision to further
extend the suspension.
In April, the Indian carrier announced to put on hold its
operations till the end of May, but it has decided to further extend it.
Despite the ceasefire between the US and Iran holding on for sometime, the
uncertainties surrounding the situation in West Asia have pushed the majority
of airlines to stop operating on the Tel Aviv route.
Besides Israeli carriers like El Al, IsraAir, Arkia and
Air Haifa, only a few other international airlines have resumed operations,
posing great challenges for those looking to travel abroad for work, vacation
or family visits.
The suspension of Air India flights has caused major
worries among more than 40,000 Indians living in Israel who wish to travel to
India for personal/professional reasons, or even to escape the uncertainties in
the region.
The limited options also mean heightened costs, which is a major concern
among Indian workers who see a significant loss of savings from their hard
work.