Arkia Airlines on the Way Back to India

Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz and the company's management held an important meeting with representatives of the Indian government, the Indian Ambassador to Israel, G.P. Singh, and the First Secretary and Economic Attaché of India, Dr. Garika Tejaswar, during which the parties discussed the renewal of air connection between Israel and India.

As you may recall, Arkia previously operated direct routes to India before the Corona period, and has repeatedly expressed its desire to return and renew the flights. Also during the meeting with representatives of the Indian government, the company's management reiterated its commitment to promote the renewal of the route, as part of the expansion of international activity and deepening cooperation with countries friendly to Israel.

It was also raised during the meeting that currently there is no airline operating direct flights between Israel and India, even though it is an important and particularly beloved destination for Israelis - both in terms of tourism and in terms of economic and business aspects. India is a strategic partner and a central destination for Israel's foreign relations.

It was also raised in the meeting that Arkia has the most suitable and advanced aircraft to operate the routes, Airbus A321neo LR narrow-body long-range aircraft, capable of flying directly to destinations such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa and Delhi. This is a particularly efficient and economical aircraft, which enables a significant reduction in operating costs to about $500 per round trip, thereby making the route economical and accessible to both tourist passengers and the business sector.

*The renewal of the route depends, among other things, on the opening of the air passage over Oman - a step that will allow a shorter and more efficient direct flight between the countries.

Arkia CEO, Oz Berlovitz: "India is a strategic destination for the State of Israel and for 'Arkia', both touristically and commercially. The direct connection between Israel and India is natural and obvious, and we are ready to operate it immediately when possible, with our modern and advanced fleet of aircraft. We thank the representatives of the Indian government for their willingness to renew the direct route and for the fruitful dialogue and close connection between the countries. 'Arkia' will be happy to add India to its portfolio of destinations and join the company's central destinations, such as New York, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, as part of the strategic plan to expand the company's international destination map."

Photograph = Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz and Indian Ambassador to Israel G.P. Singh. Photo: Arkia Spokesperson