Tag Archives: Israel

Indian Embassy in Lebanon issues advisory amid growing tensions

The Indian Embassy in Lebanon on Monday advised its citizens in the country to exercise caution and remain in contact with the mission, amidst the growing tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Since October 8 last year, violence has flared across the border between Israeli troops and Hezbollah. The conflict intensified on Saturday after a rocket strike by the Lebanese militant group at a soccer field in Israel killed at least 12 children and teens.

According to Israeli authorities, it was the deadliest attack on an Israeli target along the country’s northern border since the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began. The attack has raised fears of a broader regional war.

“In view of the recent developments in the region, all Indian nationals in Lebanon and those planning to travel to Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128,” the Indian Embassy in Beirut said in an advisory posted on X.

Though Israel blamed Hezbollah for the rocket strike in the Golan Heights, Hezbollah categorically denied carrying out the attack.

There is no doubt that Hezbollah has crossed all the red lines here, and the response will reflect that…We are nearing the moment in which we face an all-out war, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday.

Goa keen to explore new global inbound markets amid dip in numbers from Russia, UK

According to Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte they are keen on exploring new emerging global markets to enhance the state’s tourism potential by participating in international trade exhibitions. This move is a result of the disruptions in Goa’s key inbound markets like Russia (due to the Ukraine war), Israel and UK.

Addressing the state assembly, Khaunte highlighted the significant increase in international visitors to Goa, rising from 33,000 during the Covid to 450,000 in the current year.

Responding to a query, Khaunte said that there has been a shift in perception about Goa’s tourism image post the pandemic. He noted that travellers are now being offered a broader range of experiences beyond the state’s famous beaches.

He said that the tourism department was aiming to attract high-quality tourists. He highlighted discussions within the Goa Tourism Board, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant since 2021-22, to target emerging markets.
“Challenges with the UK market and the impact of the Russia conflict affected international tourism significantly,” the Minister said. He added that additional setbacks from the Israel-Gaza conflict have kept foreign tourist away.

“We’ve focused on tapping emerging markets like South-East Asia, South Asia, the US, UAE, and Germany,” Khaunte said and claimed that participation in international events such as WTM London, ITB Berlin, IITF, and others trade fairs will showcase Goa globally and engage with emerging markets, with tourism potentials.
Previously, foreign tourists visited Goa exclusively, but now they are exploring destinations like Ladakh and states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka as they have been promoted at trade fairs.

“During these events, the importance of promoting Regenerative Tourism practices is highlighted, which focus on sustainability and community engagement. This approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports local economies. Homestays were highlighted as a significant component of this strategy, offering tourists an authentic experience of Goan culture and lifestyle while benefiting local families and communities, Khaunte told CNBC-TV18.

Air India extends suspension of flights to Tel Aviv till May 15

Air India said it has extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv till May 15 amid tensions in the Middle East.

On April 19, the airline said Tel Aviv flights will remain suspended till April 30. It operates four weekly flights between the national capital and the Israeli city.

In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, Air India said it has extended the temporary suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv to May 15.

“We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers who have confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges,” the airline said in a statement.

Tensions remain high in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and the Hamas group.

After nearly five months, the Tata group-owned carrier had recommenced the services to the Israeli city on March 3.

Air India had suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv starting on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas group’s attack on the Israeli city.

While tensions between the two sides remain high, Israel and the Hamas group are also negotiating a possible cease-fire.

(Source: PTI)

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights amid rising tensions

With the Middle East tensions flaring up, Air India has temporarily suspended its Tel Aviv flights and airlines have charted alternative flight paths to avoid the Iranian airspace.

Longer flight paths will result in increased operational costs for the carriers, and the situation could also push airfares higher.

Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and some international airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace and have opted for alternative paths for their flights to the West.

A senior wide-body aircraft pilot at an Indian carrier told PTI that the alternative paths are increasing the flight duration.

With the revised flight paths chosen after taking safety and security into consideration, the duration of some flights has increased by around half an hour, the pilot said.

Such a scenario will result in higher operational costs, increased fuel usage and more crew members might have to be roped in for flights as there are duty time limitations.

The pilot also opined the rise in expenses could even be passed on to the passengers, which means that international airfares could rise.

Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack.

Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Air India on Sunday decided to temporarily suspend the flights to Tel Aviv from Delhi.

Air India operates four weekly flights between the national capital and Israeli city.

The Tata group-owned carrier recommenced services to Tel Aviv on March 3 after a gap of nearly five months.

Air India and Vistara have opted for alternative flight paths for their flights to the West.

An official in the know said that IndiGo, which operates flights to Istanbul with aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, is avoiding the Iranian airspace.

Air India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the Middle East situation and that its aircraft will operate on alternative flight paths to and from India.

On Saturday, Vistara said it is making changes to the flight paths of some of the flights due to the situation in the Middle East.

On Sunday, India said it is concerned over escalating hostilities between the two sides that threaten regional peace and security.

Iran carried out the attack on Israel in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, in which seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards personnel, including two generals, were killed. (Source: PTI)

Israel Tourism upbeat about OTM participation

 

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is upbeat about its participation in OTM. During the event, Israel Tourism will be accompanied by 5 DMCs to engage with industry leaders, stakeholders, and delegates from around the globe.

Amruta Bangera – Director of Marketing, India, said, “Participation in OTM is significant for Israel for several reasons. It provides us with a platform to showcase the diverse and rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty that our destination has to offer.
In light of the ongoing challenges, our primary goals at OTM are to strengthen existing partnerships, forge new collaborations, and increase awareness about Israel as a tourist destination. We aim to highlight any new attractions, developments, and unique experiences that would appeal to Indian travelers. Additionally, we seek to understand the evolving trends and preferences in the Indian travel market to tailor our strategies accordingly”.

 

Air India suspends Tel Aviv flights till Nov 30

Air India has suspended its scheduled flights to Tel Aviv till November 30 amid the tensions between Israel and Hamas.

The airline has not operated a scheduled flight to and from Tel Aviv since October 7.

An airline spokesperson on Sunday said flights to Tel Aviv have been suspended till November 30.

Normally, the full-service carrier operates five weekly flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital. The service is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Last month, the airline operated a few chartered flights to Tel Aviv from the national capital under the government’s Operation Ajay to bring back Indians who wished to come back from Israel against the backdrop of the escalating conflict.