US Airlines Resume Flights to Israel, Sparking Price Competition on New York Route
Following a hiatus since October 7, two major US airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, are preparing to resume flights to Israel this September, reigniting competition on the popular New York-Tel Aviv route. United Airlines will restart service on September 8 with two daily flights between Newark and Tel Aviv using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, while Delta will resume flights to Ben Gurion Airport starting September 6. American Airlines, however, will delay its return until summer 2027.
This renewed presence of US carriers is expected to increase seat availability and drive down prices, especially as Israir plans to join the New York route in the second half of October. Currently, securing economy seats on El Al flights during the Jewish High Holidays is nearly impossible, with only a few business class seats left at premium prices. The return of US airlines just before Rosh Hashanah offers new options for last-minute travelers.
Price checks reveal that round-trip economy tickets to New York in December are becoming more affordable, with Delta offering fares starting at $983 including carry-on and checked baggage between December 22 and January 3. In comparison, El Al tickets cost around $1,220, Arkia $1,598, and United $1,842 for the same period. For Rosh Hashanah travel (September 9-17), United and Delta economy fares start near $1,830-$1,860, while El Al and Arkia prices are significantly higher.
For Sukkot travel (September 24 to October 6), United offers the lowest economy fares at about $1,735, with Delta and Arkia charging more, and El Al only having premium seats available at nearly $5,000. In November, Delta again leads with economy fares from $1,221, followed closely by El Al and Arkia, while United remains more expensive.
Gili Han, CEO of Eshet Tours, welcomed the return of US airlines as a positive development that will expand seat supply and intensify competition. He anticipates price reductions starting in November after the elections and the end of peak travel seasons, creating opportunities for more affordable travel to the US that have been scarce for some time.
