Arkia Expands Seat Capacity on Tel Aviv-New York Route Ahead of Israir's US Launch

Arkia Airlines announced it will increase seat capacity on its Tel Aviv to New York route starting September. The airline will add extra flights on Mondays and Wednesdays during August and September between JFK Airport and Ben Gurion Airport, using an Airbus A330-300 with 345 seats, including economy and premium classes, up from the current 300-seat aircraft.

In addition, Arkia will introduce a new Airbus A330 operated by Hi Fly with an Arkia crew, featuring 203 economy seats and 46 business class seats, replacing one of its existing planes on the route. This expansion responds to high demand for flights to New York.

Currently, Arkia and El Al are the only Israeli airlines operating direct flights to the US, as American carriers Delta and American Airlines plan to resume flights to Israel only in October. Israir will enter the competition in August by launching its first direct flight to the United States, specifically to New York.

Arkia's move to increase capacity and upgrade aircraft comes amid growing competition and demand on the Tel Aviv-New York route, marking a significant development in Israeli-US air travel connectivity.