Israeli airlines El Al and Arkia are examining the possibility of resuming direct flights to India, a route that has been dormant since Air India suspended its Israel operations with no announced return date before early 2026.
The Oman Factor#
The viability of direct Israel-India flights depends entirely on one key decision: whether Oman will allow Israeli aircraft to traverse its airspace. Permission would dramatically change the economics of the route, shortening flight times from nine hours to just seven.
The current lengthy route makes direct flights to India less profitable, pushing many passengers toward cheaper connecting flights via the UAE. Oman first allowed Israeli aircraft through its airspace in February 2023, significantly reducing flight times to Asia, lowering fuel costs, and enabling Israeli airlines to compete with foreign carriers. However, this overflight permission was withdrawn when the Gaza war broke out in October 2023.
With the Gaza ceasefire now in place, the possibility of Oman reopening its airspace has returned to the table.
Arkia’s Push for India Routes#
Arkia announced it is in talks to renew direct Israel-India service. In a meeting between Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz and Indian Ambassador to Israel J.P. Singh and commercial attaché Shri Garika Tejeswar, the airlines discussed technical aspects of operating routes to destinations including Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bangalore.
The shorter route over Oman would make it possible to use narrow-bodied aircraft such as the Airbus A321neo LR currently in Arkia’s fleet. These aircraft are unsuitable for the longer nine-hour route, making operations without Omani overflight permission economically unviable.
Historical Context#
During the Covid pandemic, Israeli airlines ceased flying to Asia. El Al diverted planes from routes to Beijing, Mumbai, and Hong Kong to other destinations, while Arkia halted flights to Cochin and Goa. In February 2023, Arkia opened a route to Colombo but closed it after three months due to unprofitability.
India remains a popular destination for Israeli travelers, creating significant demand for direct service.
Broader Implications for Asian Routes#
If Omani airspace opens to Israeli aircraft, the impact will extend beyond India. Flight times to Thailand would be shortened by approximately two hours, and to Vietnam by about one hour.
These shorter routes would enable airlines to operate more efficiently by diverting aircraft to other destinations or increasing frequency on existing routes. Earlier arrival times would free up aircraft and crews sooner than currently planned, allowing more efficient use of existing fleets and reducing operating costs.
The decision rests with Oman, where Israeli airlines await word on whether the diplomatic thaw following the Gaza ceasefire will translate into practical aviation benefits.
Source: Globes
