Mumbai: The Israel Ministry of Tourism has announced that connectivity between India and Israel will see a major boost with the return of Air India’s direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, starting from 1 January 2026.

According to an official statement from the ministry, the resumption of services is expected to strengthen tourism and economic exchanges between the two nations.

What will the new flight schedule look like?

The restored route will operate five times a week, from Sunday to Thursday, using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

As per the schedule, the Tel Aviv–Delhi flight will depart at 11:40 am and land in Delhi at 8:50 pm.

The Delhi–Tel Aviv flight will take off at 7:00 am and arrive in Tel Aviv at 9:55 am, offering travellers smooth onward connections from both cities.

Which other airlines are considering India-Israel routes?

In addition to Air India’s relaunch, Arkia Airlines, an Israeli carrier, has also shown keen interest in reopening its direct services to India.

The ministry’s statement noted that Arkia recently held a high-level meeting with the Indian Ambassador, highlighting the strong intent to enhance air connectivity and encourage travel between the two countries.

Arkia is exploring new routes to destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa, and is currently assessing the use of its Airbus A321neo LR aircraft for these long-range operations.

What does this mean for tourism between the two nations?

Speaking about the development, Galit Hoffman, Consul for Tourism Affairs at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, said:

“The return of Air India's direct flights is a genuine game-changer and a huge win for us. 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 added interest from Arkia only confirms the market's dynamism.

“We are ready to welcome Indian tourists with open arms and showcase why Israel is a must-visit destination.”

The ministry said the renewed connectivity and new airline interest mark a significant step towards expanding travel opportunities and deepening ties between India and Israel.

PTI inputs