Air India resumes non-stop service between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, opening new doors for Indian travelers to explore Israel

Posted on November 6, 2025

Starting in 2026, Air India’s resumption of non-stop flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv marks a major milestone in travel connectivity, offering Indian travelers an exciting new gateway to exploring Israel. This direct route will make it easier for tourists to experience Israel’s rich cultural heritage, historical monuments and modern attractions. With seamless access to both ancient sites like Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, and vibrant cities like Tel Aviv, Indian travelers will now have a convenient and efficient way to discover everything Israel has to offer, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business visitors. This step aims to strengthen ties between India and Israel, and open new opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchange.

Air India will operate its direct flights five times a week, from Sunday to Thursday, using the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for its comfort and efficiency. The outbound flights will depart from Tel Aviv at 11:40 AM, arriving in New Delhi at 8:50 PM, while the return flights will depart Delhi at 7:00 AM, landing in Tel Aviv at 9:55 AM. This schedule is designed to suit leisure or business travelers, ensuring convenient travel options and seamless connections for onward flights.

The restoration of this route is seen as a game-changer, especially for Indian tourists who have long sought a direct, non-stop connection to Israel. Israel, with its rich history, religious significance and modern tourist attractions, has always been a top destination for travelers from India. However, the lack of direct flights was often an obstacle for potential visitors. With the new direct service, Israel is now more accessible than ever for Indian travellers, making it easy to visit not only the country’s famous landmarks, such as Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but also its modern cultural and commercial centres.

The Ministry of Tourism in Israel is optimistic that the return of Air India’s direct flights will lead to a significant increase in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. Israel has been focusing on strengthening its tourism ties with India for several years, realizing the huge potential of the Indian outbound travel market. The resumption of this direct flight is expected to stimulate tourism and economic exchange, and encourage more Indians to explore Israel’s diverse landscapes, from the vibrant city life of Tel Aviv to the wonders of ancient Jerusalem.

In addition to the return of Air India flights, there has been growing interest from another Israeli airline to reconnect India with Israel. This airline is currently exploring the possibility of launching direct flights to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. These routes would provide greater convenience to travelers seeking to explore Israel’s tourist attractions, while also promoting deeper economic and cultural ties. The airline is considering deploying its long-range Airbus A321neo LR aircraft on these routes, which will enhance travel options between the two countries.

The growing demand for direct flights between India and Israel reflects the growing recognition of each country as an attractive travel and business destination. Known for its innovation and technological advancement, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage, Israel is a natural fit for Indian travelers seeking diverse experiences. Whether it’s visiting ancient religious sites, immersing yourself in Israel’s vibrant culinary scene, or exploring the country’s thriving startup ecosystem, Israel offers something for every type of traveler.

The introduction of these direct flights also comes at a time when Israel is actively promoting itself as a year-round tourist destination. While the country has always been a popular choice for those interested in religious tourism, its modern attractions, such as its beaches, art galleries and technology centres, are attracting increasing numbers of visitors. The addition of direct flights from India is expected to bring in a new wave of tourists eager to experience these contemporary offerings.

This new air connectivity also has the potential to boost trade relations between India and Israel. Israel has long been a leader in sectors such as technology, agriculture and security, and many Indian companies are looking to establish partnerships with Israeli companies. Direct flights will make it easier for businessmen to travel between the two countries, facilitating cooperation and investment opportunities.

In addition to boosting tourism and business, the return of direct flights is seen as an important step towards increasing cultural exchange between Israel and India. The ease of travel will encourage more Israeli citizens to visit India, further strengthening the ties between the two countries. In return, Indian tourists will have the opportunity to experience Israel’s rich Jewish culture, diverse landscapes, and world-famous hospitality.

Air India’s resumption of non-stop flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv provides Indian travelers with a direct gateway to explore Israel’s rich history, vibrant culture and modern attractions, boosting tourism and bilateral relations.

In conclusion, the relaunch of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv is a major step forward in strengthening the close relations between Israel and India. This direct connection will not only make travel more convenient, but will also open new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange. With other airlines increasingly interested in offering additional routes to India, the future of air connectivity between the two countries looks brighter, offering a promising prospect for travellers, businessmen and cultural ambassadors alike.