Exciting news for travelers heading from Israel to New York City, or vice versa: Israir Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Tel Aviv to New York (Newark EWR or JFK), breaking El Al’s long-held de facto monopoly on this popular route due to other airlines pause during the post-Oct 7th war.
With the first flight planned for the beginning of summer 2025, Israir’s new service is a game-changer, especially for frequent flyers looking for more flexibility and potentially competitive pricing.
This development comes as the Israel Ministry of Transportation granted Israir approval to operate direct flights to the U.S., a move expected to drive competition and enhance options for those making the transatlantic journey. While El Al has long been the go-to for non-stop service between Israel and New York, the addition of Israir’s flights could mean more competitive fares, potentially bringing down the historically high prices on this route.
Nearly 20 foreign airlines have canceled flights to Tel Aviv, forcing Israel’s government to step in to provide more options for Israelis and foreign tourists.
Israir’s entry into the market also includes plans to introduce more flight options and possibly additional perks tailored for Israeli and American passengers. This fresh choice could encourage both airlines to enhance their services, benefitting travelers on both ends of the route.
Ending El Al’s De Facto Post-War Monopoly on North American Routes
El Al has held a near-monopoly on direct flights from Israel to North America, particularly to New York, a prime destination for both Israeli travelers and Jewish tourists more or less since the Oct 7th 2023 war with Hamas & Hezbollah (and Iran) began. With Israir entering the market, alongside potential interest from Arkia Airlines, this exclusive grip is coming to an end. This shift is expected to introduce more options for passengers, who have long faced limited choices and fluctuating prices during peak travel seasons, including the summer months and Jewish holidays.
According to Israir’s CEO, Uri Sirkis, the airline is positioning itself as a formidable competitor by focusing on providing affordable fares and enhanced service quality. Sirkis emphasized that the company has invested significantly in expanding its fleet and upgrading its service standards to appeal to a broader range of customers, from families and tourists to business travelers.
Sirkis also tells “Globes” that “foreign airlines are canceling flights because of a global shortage of planes and explains why his company is struggling to match El Al’s superb results.”
Israir’s First Flights Expected in Summer 2025
Israir is targeting a launch date in the summer of 2025, aiming to coincide with the peak travel season when demand for flights between Israel and New York is at its highest. The airline is negotiating with U.S. aviation authorities to secure landing slots at either NYC’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The choice of airport will be crucial, as it could influence convenience and connectivity for passengers looking to make onward connections across the U.S.
If successful, Israir’s entry into this market will significantly increase the number of available seats on the popular NYC-TLV route, potentially easing the high demand that often leads to elevated ticket prices. With direct flights already a preferred choice for many travelers, this added competition could result in more competitive pricing, enhanced in-flight services, and potentially new travel packages tailored for tourists and Jewish travelers visiting family or heading to the numerous kosher destinations in New York or Israel.
Arkia’s Potential Interest in Transatlantic Flights
Following Israir’s announcement, Arkia Airlines is reportedly discussing joining the competitive fray, considering launching its direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York. While Arkia has traditionally focused on short-haul and regional flights to and from Israel, expanding into the long-haul market represents a strategic pivot for the airline. Arkia’s potential entry into this space could provide an additional boost to competition, which would be a welcome change for travelers accustomed to high fares during the busiest travel periods.
Arkia has not yet confirmed specific details, but industry sources suggest that the airline is evaluating the feasibility of operating these flights, potentially as early as 2026. This development is still exploratory, with ongoing talks regarding aircraft procurement and necessary regulatory approvals. This is surely not a done deal and may not happen.
What This Means for Passengers: More Choices and Potential Savings
The prospect of Israir and potentially Arkia joining the New York-Tel Aviv route spells good news for passengers. Increased competition could drive down ticket prices, especially during high-demand periods, and offer travelers more flexibility with their travel plans. Israir’s entry could also mean the introduction of new fare structures, including budget-friendly options and promotional offers, which would be a game-changer for those planning trips to Israel on a tighter budget.
Additionally, the airlines are expected to cater to the specific needs of Jewish and kosher travelers, with features like enhanced kosher meal options, Shabbat-friendly scheduling considerations, and possibly even partnerships with travel companies to offer seamless vacation packages.
Israir’s Ambitious Growth Plan
This move by Israir is part of a broader strategy to expand its international presence. Until now, Israir has primarily focused on short-haul destinations from Israel to Europe and the Mediterranean. By adding direct flights to New York, the airline is making a bold step into the highly competitive long-haul market, which could pave the way for further expansion to other U.S. cities in the future.
To support this growth, Israir has been ramping up its fleet, with plans to acquire larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft capable of handling the long-haul journey across the Atlantic. The airline is also exploring partnerships with U.S. carriers to provide code-sharing options, allowing passengers greater access to connecting flights and making it easier to reach destinations beyond New York.
Implications for Israel’s Aviation Industry
The entry of Israir, and potentially Arkia, into the U.S.-Israel flight market is a pivotal moment for the Israeli aviation industry. It signals a shift towards a more competitive landscape, which has the potential to benefit consumers and boost tourism between the two countries. The increased capacity on this route could also enhance Israel’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, potentially drawing more visitors from the U.S. who are looking for direct, convenient travel options.
While El Al remains the flagship carrier and a trusted choice for many, as it has been the only airline to continue flying into and out of Israel non stop since the war began, the arrival of new competitors may push the airline to innovate and adjust its pricing and service strategies. This competition could spur improvements across the board, benefiting all travelers flying between Israel and the U.S.
