Delta Air Lines Resumes Flights to Israel After War Pause

Delta Air Lines has resumed its flights to Israel, with the first aircraft landing on Monday after a months-long suspension. The flight originated from New York and is scheduled to return to New York later the same day. This marks the first flight since the conflict with Iran, and it follows Delta's announcement last week to reinstate daily flights between New York JFK and Ben Gurion Airport starting September 6.

United Airlines is also set to resume its operations to Israel on September 8, with two daily flights planned between Newark and Tel Aviv. Both Delta and United had suspended their flights to Israel in March, citing the ongoing conflict, and had initially planned to return in September.

The return of these major US carriers is expected to intensify competition on the popular Tel Aviv-New York routes, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Adding to the competitive landscape, Israir has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel to operate flights to the United States and plans to apply to the FAA for permission to fly to New York.

Despite recent regional tensions, including renewed Iranian attacks in Jordan and the Persian Gulf, the aviation industry in Israel had feared further delays in the resumption of flights. However, these concerns did not materialize, and the flights have now recommenced.