Five Airlines Launch New Tel Aviv-New York Route, Driving Down Ticket Prices

Starting soon, five airlines will operate flights between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and New York, a development expected to significantly reduce airfare. Three of these carriers are Israeli, and three are American. While current prices remain high, more affordable options under $1,000 are anticipated after the upcoming holidays. To mark the route's launch, Israir is offering a $100 discount for bookings made by September 14, bringing round-trip flights from September 16 to 30 down to $1,499. Prices are expected to drop even further for travel after the holidays, particularly in January and February, which are typically the cheapest months to fly to New York despite the colder weather. From March to May, as the weather improves, some tickets may still be found for under $1,000.

The return of major American airlines alongside Israeli companies marks a significant shift in the market. Previously, limited options led to high ticket costs and fewer flight choices. The increased capacity and new routes are expected to restore competition. Tamar Garzon, CEO of Gulliver, advises booking New York or U.S. vacations now to take advantage of attractive prices, noting that round-trip tickets under $1,000 are already available for those with flexible travel dates. Examples of deals include Delta Air Lines flights from January 10-15 and February 1-7 for $878, February 25-March 3 and March 1-7 for $773, and El Al flights from March 8-16 for $773.