Israir Launches Direct Flights to New York Amid Market Recovery

Israeli airline Israir will commence regular direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to New York City starting September 15. This move makes Israir the fifth carrier operating on this significant international route, according to The Jerusalem Post. Ticket sales for the new service are now open, with the inaugural flight scheduled for September 15 and the return flight on September 16.

Initially, Israir plans to operate three flights per week to New York, with ambitions to increase to daily flights by the end of October. The airline's expansion into long-haul routes follows its acquisition of two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, an investment totaling approximately $85 million for the planes, equipment, and spare parts. The company stated the transition to the new aircraft will be gradual to ensure flight safety and passenger service quality.

This launch marks Israir's return to long-distance flights after a considerable hiatus. The expansion coincides with a broader recovery in international air travel to Israel, with foreign airlines gradually resuming operations. Israir will now compete with existing Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia on the North American route.

In related news, Israeli airlines are also expanding direct routes to Italy, a popular destination for Israelis, with approximately 180,000 passengers traveling there in July alone, according to the Israel Airports Authority.