US Airlines Return to Israel, Intensifying Competition on Transatlantic Routes

The Israeli aviation market is experiencing a significant increase in competition, particularly on routes to the United States, as international carriers resume and expand services ahead of the High Holidays. Following a period of reduced capacity due to security concerns and ongoing conflict, major US airlines are returning to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV).

Delta Air Lines resumed its daily direct flights from New York to Tel Aviv on September 6, with the first flight landing on September 7. United Airlines is set to join on September 8, offering two daily flights from Newark. Israeli carriers Israir, El Al, and Arkia are also planning to compete on the New York route, with Israir expected to join the competition next month.

Beyond the US routes, European airlines are also bolstering their presence. Wizz Air will restart its service from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, twice weekly starting September 7. Transavia, a French low-cost carrier, will resume direct flights to Marseille and Lyon on September 8, having already restarted its Paris route. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) plans to return on October 26, 2026, with three weekly flights to Copenhagen, offering an alternative to El Al's services.

This surge in flight activity coincides with anticipated heavy passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport. The Israel Airports Authority estimates that approximately 2.5 million passengers will pass through TLV during September and the holiday period, following a busy August that saw around 2.65 million travelers.