Israir Launches New York Route in September Following $85 Million Airbus A330 Purchase

Israir will begin direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York in September, becoming the third Israeli carrier to serve the route. The airline confirmed it has received the regulatory approvals needed to return to the US market after more than a decade.

The move follows an $85 million investment in two Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, which Israir will use to operate the long-haul service from Ben Gurion Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

What you need to know about the new route

Israir plans to launch the New York service in September 2025, joining El Al and Arkia as the only Israeli airlines flying between Israel and the United States. The carrier last operated flights to the US in 2008.

The timing coincides with the return of several major US carriers to Israel. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have all been restoring service to Tel Aviv after repeated suspensions caused by the war in Gaza and regional security concerns.

Israir received approval from both the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the route. The airline also secured the required certifications from Israeli aviation authorities.

The aircraft behind the expansion

The two Airbus A330 aircraft represent Israir's first widebody planes. Until now, the carrier has operated a narrowbody fleet focused on domestic routes and destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Each A330 will be configured to serve transatlantic passengers, though Israir has not released full details on cabin layout or seat counts. The aircraft give the carrier the range needed to operate nonstop between Tel Aviv and New York, a flight that typically takes around 11 to 12 hours.

Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir, said the launch marks a major step for the airline. According to reports, the carrier views the New York route as the foundation for further long-haul expansion.

Competition on the Tel Aviv to New York route

El Al has long dominated Israeli service to the United States and significantly expanded its market share during the war, when foreign airlines suspended operations. The national carrier reported record profits in 2024 as it filled the gap left by competitors.

Arkia began flying to New York earlier in the year, becoming the second Israeli airline on the route. Israir's entry will add a third option for passengers traveling between the two cities.

The return of US carriers changes the competitive landscape. Delta resumed Tel Aviv service in April 2025, while United restarted flights in March. American Airlines has also announced plans to return, though it has pushed back its restart date multiple times.

Industry analysts expect fares on the route to drop as capacity increases. During the war, ticket prices between Israel and the US surged as demand outstripped available seats, with El Al facing criticism over pricing.

Why the timing matters

Israir's expansion comes as Israel's aviation sector adjusts to a new reality following the ceasefire with Hezbollah and shifting regional dynamics. Passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport has been recovering, though it remains below pre-war levels.

The Israeli government has pushed for more competition on international routes to bring down fares and improve service. Regulators have made it easier for smaller carriers to enter long-haul markets, part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on El Al for critical connections.

For Israir, the New York launch represents a strategic pivot. The airline has historically focused on shorter routes and charter operations. Moving into transatlantic service requires significant investment in crew training, maintenance infrastructure, and ground operations at JFK.

What passengers can expect

Israir has not yet released ticket prices or booking dates for the New York service. The airline is expected to open sales in the coming weeks as it finalizes schedules and aircraft delivery timelines.

The carrier will need to build a customer base in a market where El Al has decades of brand recognition and where US airlines offer connections through their global networks. Pricing will likely play a central role in attracting passengers, particularly leisure travelers and members of the large Israeli diaspora in the New York area.

Beyond New York, Israir has signaled interest in adding other long-haul destinations if the initial service proves successful. Potential future routes could include other major North American cities or destinations in Asia, though the airline has not confirmed specific plans.

The A330 delivery schedule and crew certification timelines will determine whether Israir can meet its September launch target. Any delays could push the start date into the fourth quarter, though the airline has expressed confidence in the timeline.