Arkia has now started selling nonstop flights between JFK in New York and Tel Aviv, Israel. The flights will commence on February 8, 2025, and will occur three times a week. Due to the complete pullout of American carriers flying this direct route, only El Al remained operating directly to the US, resulting in higher costs.
Flights currently being sold at the moment only go through May 8th, 2025, with the expectation that more dates will be added if this is successful.
Schedule
- From Tel Aviv to JFK:
- Flight IZ991 departs at 8:30am on Mondays and Wednesdays, arriving at 12:50am the next day.
- Flight IZ991 departs at 11:30pm on Saturday nights, arriving at 3:50pm the next day.
- From JFK to Tel Aviv:
- Flight IZ992 departs at 10:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, arriving at 6:30am the next day.
The pricing for these round-trip tickets vary based on timing (see below) and includes luggage, two full meals (Glatt Kosher Mehadrin meals can be requested), and beverages. This new route is expected to offer a competitive edge in the travel market between Israel and the United States in so much that it undercuts the pricing on the only direct flights to the US today, which are operated by El Al.
The Plane
According to DansDeals: Only 1 plane is being leased by Arkia, so if there are any weather or mechanical issues, delays and cancelations will have ripple effects for days after the flight.
The leased Iberojet A330-900neo aircraft is an all-economy plane with a large capacity of 388 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration (tapering to 2-3-2 in the rear) and a 30-31″ seat pitch.
The plane will depart from JFK’s Terminal 4, which is where El Al also operates from, and where a plethora of lounges can be found.
Pricing
Currently, flights in February cost $599 each way, March flights cost $799-$999 each way, April flights cost $899-$1,399 each way, and May flights cost $799-$999 each way. Unlike most international flights, there doesn’t appear to be any surcharge for booking one-way.
For many of the middle rows of 4, Arkia will only sell the 2 aisle seats and will offer the 2 aisle seats in those rows at just a $100 upcharge, with a guaranteed empty adjacent seat.
Other seat assignments will cost $10-$35, though you can also wait until check-in for a free seat assignment. Row 13 offers extra legroom for a $150 upcharge.
Flights include 1 checked bag, though it can only weigh up to 44 pounds. An additional bag will cost $80 online or $110 at the airport. A small backpack is included, but a larger carry-on bag up to 17 pounds will cost $15 online or $20 at the airport.
It is worth noting that this is an economy-only flight and flyers should expect a no-frills experience. This may not be comparable to El Al flights.
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