Israir Launches Direct Flights From Tel Aviv to New York

Israeli airline Israir has announced the official launch of its new regular commercial flights connecting Tel Aviv and New York City, with the first service set to depart next week. Ticket sales for the new route will commence this evening, following the airline's successful completion of all necessary approvals and final authorization from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

The inaugural flight from Tel Aviv is scheduled for September 15, with the return flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport planned for September 17. One-way tickets will start at $800, and round-trip fares will begin at $1,600. During holiday periods, one-way ticket prices are expected to range between $800 and $900.

Industry experts note that demand for U.S. routes remains high, making this new offering a significant development for the market. Israir's preparation for this long-haul route took approximately three and a half months. During this period, the company acquired two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for $85 million, signed over 60 operational agreements, and underwent rigorous inspections by U.S. and Israeli regulators.

The airline plans to operate the flights in phases to ensure maximum safety and service stability. In addition to its own aircraft, Israir will utilize two more planes under a wet lease agreement and intends to purchase a third wide-body aircraft next year.

The launch of Israir's flights coincides with the resumption of services by American carriers Delta and United, bringing the total number of airlines serving the popular Israel-U.S. route to five.