Israir Launches New York Flights in September, Ticket Sales Open Tonight

Israeli airline Israir will begin selling tickets tonight for its new route to New York, with the inaugural flight from Tel Aviv scheduled for September 15. The first flight from New York to Israel is set for September 17. The route will be operated using two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft recently acquired and prepared by the company.

Tickets for the New York route are already available for purchase, including during the High Holidays. A round-trip economy class ticket for travel between September 16 and 23 is priced at $2,299, while business class for the same dates costs $4,598.

The launch date follows several adjustments. Initially planned for the third quarter of 2026, the company had later estimated an early August launch after receiving its first A330 in July. The final launch date is now confirmed for September 15.

Israir completed the purchase of the two A330 aircraft on May 27 for approximately $85 million, a sum that includes service modifications and spare parts. These planes, featuring business, premium, and economy classes, enable Israir to expand into long-haul flights. The company reported completing operational and regulatory preparations, including over 60 agreements and approvals from Israeli and U.S. aviation authorities, within three and a half months.

These two aircraft will operate alongside Israir's existing fleet of eight narrow-body Airbus A320s. The airline plans a gradual introduction of the A330s into service. Additionally, Israir intends to lease two more wide-body aircraft and acquire a third for self-operation by the second half of 2027.

The new route intensifies competition on flights between Israel and the U.S. Delta Air Lines resumed its New York-Tel Aviv service yesterday with a daily flight, and United Airlines is set to restart its Newark-Tel Aviv route tomorrow with two daily flights. American Airlines has postponed its return to Israel until March 2027. Israir will join El Al and Arkia in offering direct flights to New York. This expansion is part of Israir's broader strategy to increase long-haul operations, with potential future destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Miami.