New Competition Drives Down New York Flight Prices Significantly
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Flight prices on the Tel Aviv-New York route have dropped significantly due to increased competition from American carriers Delta and United, alongside Israeli airlines Arkia, El Al, and Israir. Average fares for October have fallen by about 25%, with Delta and United seeing the largest reductions. Prices are expected to remain stable or decrease further into November, with some direct flights available for under $1,000.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Competition from Delta, United, Israir, El Al, and Arkia has driven down Tel Aviv-New York flight prices.
- Average October fares have dropped by about 25%, with Delta and United prices falling over 30%.
- Israir currently offers the lowest average November fare at $1,135, with overall prices stabilizing below $1,000.
- Rising fuel costs mean current lower fares are equivalent to significantly cheaper prices in previous years.
- Direct flights to New York are now available for under $1,000, with some deals as low as $773.
Flight prices on the Tel Aviv-New York route have seen a dramatic decrease in recent weeks due to increased competition. Initially, only El Al and Arkia operated the route. However, American carriers Delta and United resumed flights after a six-month hiatus, and Israir also entered the market, leading to a more competitive landscape.
Following a period of high demand and soaring prices during the holidays, a recent analysis by the Israeli travel tech company Gulliver reveals a significant drop. Average round-trip fares for October have fallen by approximately 25%. Delta's average price is now $1,245 (down 37%), and United's is $1,237 (down 33%). Israeli airlines also saw price reductions, though less pronounced: El Al's average fare is $1,270 (down 13%), and Arkia's is $1,265 (down 7%).
Experts attribute the price drop to the intensified competition and a potential decrease in demand related to the upcoming elections in the United States, as Israelis may wish to vote. Looking ahead to November, prices are expected to remain stable or even slightly decrease, with an average fare of around $1,223 across five airlines. Israir currently offers the lowest average price at $1,135.
Despite the overall price decrease, factors like rising fuel costs, which have increased significantly since last year, add complexity. According to Israir's CEO Uri Sirkis, the current $1,200 fare is equivalent to about $900 last year when fuel prices were lower. Without the increased competition, fares would likely be around $1,800.
Further deals are available, with some flights in late November found for as low as $790 on United and $990 on Israir. Flights with layovers can be found for even less, around $600. Looking further ahead, prices are stabilizing below $1,000, with some direct flights in January and March potentially costing as little as $878 and $773 respectively. Some reports suggest direct Delta flights could be found for as low as $650 at the start of the year.
Mentioned
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
