Why PM Modi's Israel Flight Topped Global Tracking Charts, Drew Massive Interest?

PM Modi reached Israel on 2-day visit, with his flight becoming the most tracked worldwide, according to Flightradar24. The aircraft avoided Pakistan and Iran airspace and followed route via Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan before landing in Tel Aviv. 

PM Modi in Israel, his flight most tracked worldwide

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on a two-day visit, drawing global attention. His aircraft became the most tracked flight in the world during the journey, according to flight tracking platform Flightradar24.

PM Modi's flight to Israel became the world's most tracked on Flightradar24 due to global curiosity about his two-day visit and the unusual route. The Air India One aircraft avoided Pakistan and Iran airspace, flying via Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan before landing at Ben Gurion International Airport. 

The tracking frenzy reflected strong international interest in meetings with Israeli leaders, possible defence cooperation and PM Modi's rare visit, his second since 2017. 

The aircraft departed Palam Air Force Station and flew over Gujarat across the Arabian Sea, drawing exceptional public attention worldwide online.

Flight becomes world’s most tracked

Data from Flightradar24 showed that around 4 pm on Wednesday, when the Prime Minister’s aircraft entered Jordan’s airspace from Saudi Arabia, 9,225 people were tracking it live. The figures reflected strong global interest in the visit.

Special route taken to reach Israel

The aircraft avoided the airspace of Pakistan and Iran. It departed from Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi on the morning of February 25, 2026. From Delhi, the plane flew over Gujarat, crossed the Arabian Sea, and reached Oman. It then passed through Saudi Arabia and Jordan before entering Israeli territory.

The flight landed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. A direct flight from India to Israel usually takes about six to seven hours.

Air India One aircraft details

The Prime Minister travelled on Air India One, a special aircraft used by the Government of India for official visits by the Prime Minister and other top leaders. The aircraft is usually a Boeing 777-300ER with a special configuration. It includes a command centre, secure communication systems, and defence features.

Second Israel visit in nine years

This is Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. His first visit was in July 2017. During this trip, he will hold a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address Israel’s parliament, and meet members of the Indian community living there.

Possible defence agreements and warm welcome

Reports suggest that defence deals may be discussed during the visit, including agreements related to drones and anti-ballistic missile systems.

Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post welcomed the Prime Minister with a special front page featuring his photograph. The page carried the word 'Namaste' in Hindi and 'Shalom' in Hebrew, both meaning hello.