Israir Launches New York Flights, Boosting Competition on US Routes
Israir has officially opened ticket sales for its new route to New York, with the inaugural flight from Tel Aviv scheduled for September 15 and the return flight from New York on September 17. The route will be operated by two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, which the company acquired and prepared in recent months. This launch follows several previous postponements of the route's start date.
Initially, Israir announced plans in May to begin flights to New York in the third quarter of 2026. Following the arrival of the first A330 in July, the company aimed for an early August launch. The final confirmed date is now September 15. The acquisition of the two A330s was completed on May 27 for approximately $85 million, including cabin modifications and spare parts. These aircraft, configured for business, premium, and economy classes, enable Israir to enter the long-haul market.
Israir completed operational and regulatory preparations for the route within three and a half months, signing over 60 agreements and securing necessary approvals from Israeli and U.S. aviation authorities, including the FAA. Flight crews have also been trained to operate the A330s. These two wide-body jets will supplement the airline's existing fleet of eight narrow-body Airbus A320s. Israir plans to gradually introduce the A330s into service and intends to lease two additional wide-body aircraft, with a third owned A330 expected by the second half of 2027.
The launch coincides with increased competition on Israel-U.S. routes. Delta Air Lines resumed daily flights between New York and Tel Aviv on Sunday, and United Airlines is set to restart its services on Tuesday with two daily flights from Newark. American Airlines has postponed its return to Israel until March 2027. Israir will join El Al and Arkia, which already operate direct flights to New York. This expansion is part of Israir's broader strategy to develop its long-haul network, with potential future destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Miami.
The route expansion occurs amid a general recovery in international travel at Ben Gurion Airport. Budget airline Wizz Air also announced a significant increase in flights this week, adding 46 weekly services from Tel Aviv and resuming five routes, including to London Gatwick, Venice, Catania, Cluj, and Iasi. Wizz Air is also increasing frequencies on four other routes, including to Budapest, Milan, Rome, and Bucharest.
