Israir Seeks Approval for Direct Tel Aviv–Delhi and Tel Aviv–Mumbai Flights from April 2026

India–Israel air connectivity sees renewed momentum

Israeli carrier Israir Aviation & Tourism Ltd has submitted a formal request to Indian civil aviation authorities seeking approval to operate direct flights from Tel Aviv to Delhi and Mumbai. Subject to regulatory clearances, the airline plans to commence operations as early as April 2026, coinciding with the Passover travel period.

The proposed services would further enhance direct air connectivity between India and Israel. The development follows Air India’s announced resumption of non-stop Delhi–Tel Aviv flights from January 2026 and comes amid broader interest among Israeli carriers to expand operations to India.

Arkia Airlines has also indicated plans to explore direct services from Israel to Indian destinations, including Goa, Kochi and Mumbai, reflecting growing confidence in long-term travel demand on the India–Israel corridor.

Israir operates both scheduled and charter services across Europe, the Mediterranean and regional markets. As part of its long-haul expansion strategy, the airline has sought designation to operate services on six routes: Tokyo, Hanoi, Delhi, Mumbai, Phuket and Bangkok, all of which continue to see sustained travel demand.

Commenting on the development, Galit Hoffman, Consul – Tourism Affairs for India, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, “We have been actively working to restore air connectivity and strengthen strategic airline partnerships, and this development provides a timely boost to those efforts. It reinforces our long-term growth outlook for inbound tourism from India and India–Israel air travel.”

The proposed launch aligns with Israel’s ongoing tourism recovery. In November 2025, the country recorded 122,500 international tourist arrivals. Between January and November 2025, total arrivals stood at 1.18 million, with full-year arrivals projected at approximately 1.3 million.

Tourism from India continues to show steady growth, with India ranking among Israel’s top ten global source markets and remaining its leading source market from Asia.

The addition of new routes, alongside the restoration of existing services, is expected to improve accessibility, increase capacity, and strengthen aviation and tourism ties between India and Israel.