Israir Advances New York Flights to September Amidst Market Competition

Israir has accelerated the launch of its direct Tel Aviv-New York route, with the first flight now scheduled for September 15, earlier than its initial October plan. The inaugural flight from Ben Gurion Airport will utilize Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, flying into JFK Airport. The return flight from New York is set for September 17. This move intensifies competition on a highly sought-after route, where El Al and Arkia currently operate.

Initially, Israir plans to offer round-trip tickets for $1,900, with a projected price drop to $1,600 after the holidays. This pricing strategy suggests that Israir's entry may not immediately trigger significant price competition with existing Israeli carriers on the New York route.

The expedited launch coincides with the return of Delta Air Lines to direct New York-Tel Aviv flights with daily service, and United Airlines is set to resume its Newark-Tel Aviv route on September 8. Israir's entry follows a lengthy regulatory process, having secured final approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in August for commercial flights to the U.S., and subsequent approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to sell tickets.

This U.S. route represents an expansion for Israir beyond its European focus, driven partly by its financial performance. The company reported a loss of $35.5 million in the first half of 2026, an increase from the $18.6 million loss in the same period the previous year. Revenue also declined by 8.6% to $249.5 million.