New Route Alert: Israir To Launch Direct Flights Between Tel Aviv And New York

Travelers flying between the United States and Israel will soon have another option to consider. Israeli budget carrier Israir has announced it will launch direct flights connecting Tel Aviv and New York City starting next week.

This new route comes at a crucial time for transatlantic travel to the region, offering much-needed capacity following widespread flight cancellations by international carriers amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran.

Here is everything you need to know about Israir's new service.

Flight Details and Schedule

Israir will officially commence its direct service between Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on September 15, 2026.

• Initial Frequency: The airline will start by operating three flights per week.
• Future Expansion: By the end of October 2026, Israir plans to ramp up its operations to offer daily flights on this route.
• The Aircraft: The airline recently completed preparations to operate two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft to service these long-haul routes.

Pricing and Fare Expectations

While Israir is known as a budget carrier, current market constraints and high demand mean introductory prices will reflect the current premium on U.S.-Israel travel.

• Starting Fares: Initial pricing is set at $950 for a one-way ticket, bringing a round-trip fare to $1,900.
• Price Drops: Fares are expected to decrease slightly to around $1,600 for a round trip following the end of the Jewish holiday season in mid-October.

The Broader Aviation Context

With this launch, Israir becomes the third Israeli airline to service the Tel Aviv-New York market, joining the flagship carrier El Al and budget airline Arkia.

The addition of these flights is a welcome development for passengers who have faced scarce availability and soaring ticket prices. In the coming weeks, U.S. carriers such as Delta and United are also expected to resume their Israel-U.S. flights, bringing the total number of airlines offering Tel Aviv-New York routes to five. However, industry experts note that even with the extra supply, it may not completely cover the exceptionally high demand.

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Will this new route and the return of U.S. carriers impact your upcoming travel plans to the region?