The number of direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York is poised to expand significantly in the coming weeks as US carriers return after over half a year away, with a third Israeli airline waiting in the wings to begin serving the popular route within months.
But while the return of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and the introduction of Israir will add much-needed seats and flight options, travelers who have been grappling with high airfares are unlikely to see much relief on that front until November at earliest, experts say.
“Prices will not become competitive again until incoming tourism is back to pre-October 7, 2023, war numbers,” said Mark Feldman, CEO of the Ziontours Jerusalem travel agency.
For the last six months, and during extended periods since the October 2023 Hamas massacre plunged the region into war, nonstop service between Ben Gurion Airport and the US has been exclusive to Israel’s flagship carrier El Al and its smaller local competitor Arkia, which began offering flights to New York in early 2025.
On Sunday, Delta will return to Israel, operating a daily nonstop flight between New York’s JFK airport and Ben Gurion. Two days later, United is scheduled to resume flights between Tel Aviv and Newark Airport in New Jersey. Israir, which has not announced when it will begin the route, is expected to start selling tickets only next month.
