Israir to Launch Nonstop Flights Between Tel Aviv and New York, Intensifying Competition
Israir is preparing to become the third Israeli airline offering nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York, intensifying competition with the national carrier, El Al, and contributing to a reduction in high airfares.
Request for U.S. Carrier Permit
The airline has submitted a request for a foreign air carrier permit to the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT), seeking approval to operate long-haul flights to the U.S. This comes shortly after rival Arkia launched its own direct service to New York last month, breaking El Al’s longstanding monopoly on the route. U.S. carriers have been cautious about flying to Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the region’s security risks.
Planned Service Details
Israir plans to operate up to six weekly nonstop flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and New York as early as this summer, although the airline has yet to reveal specifics about the service.
El Al’s Monopoly Under Pressure
Throughout most of the past year, El Al enjoyed a monopoly on the Tel Aviv-New York route as U.S. airlines avoided the area due to security concerns. This lack of competition led to severe shortages of available seats and significant fare hikes.
Arkia Joins the New York Route
In early February, Arkia initiated its own direct flights from Tel Aviv to New York, marking its first-ever U.S. route. Initially intended to operate for three months, Arkia has extended the service until at least October. The airline currently runs three weekly flights from Tel Aviv to John F. Kennedy Airport, with departures on Saturday nights just before midnight, and Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
Soaring Airfares Amid Conflict
Airfares between Israel and the U.S. have soared, with prices sometimes more than doubling since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. The conflict caused widespread disruptions, with foreign airlines frequently canceling and resuming flights due to rocket and drone threats. A fragile ceasefire and decreasing tensions have led several major airlines to announce the resumption of services to Israel.
U.S. Airlines Resume Services
U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, are set to return to Israel on March 15, while Delta Air Lines will resume its New York-Tel Aviv route on April 1. American Airlines has yet to announce its plans.
Comparing Airfares: Arkia vs. El Al
Current roundtrip fares on Arkia’s nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to New York start at around $1,200, significantly cheaper than El Al’s starting prices of about $1,800.
Israir’s Potential to Compete with El Al
Feldman remarked that if Israir were to offer business or premium class services, it could compete directly with El Al for a share of the market.
Future Challenges for Arkia and Israir
Looking ahead, both Arkia and Israir may face challenges in maintaining their New York routes as they compete with the reestablished U.S. carriers, especially if tensions ease and long-term peace is achieved.
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