U.S. and Israeli Airlines Resume and Expand Flights Following Conflict Resolution

Passengers check baggage at Ben Gurion Airport in June 2025. (Photo by Jack Guez)

AFP via Getty Images

U.S. and Israeli airlines are rapidly reactivating and expanding air routes between the two nations, capitalizing on renewed traveler confidence following regional conflict resolution. Major U.S. carriers, alongside three Israeli airlines, are introducing new flights to meet anticipated summer demand. United Airlines announced Tuesday it will restore nonstop service between San Francisco and Tel Aviv four times weekly using Boeing 787 aircraft beginning March 28, 2027. El Al Airlines earlier disclosed plans to launch San Francisco-Tel Aviv flights in October, targeting tech-sector travelers connecting two global innovation hubs.

<

The Tel Aviv-New York corridor is witnessing intensified competition, with Delta Air Lines set to resume daily JFK-TLV service on September 6, while United will increase its Newark-TLV frequency to twice daily starting September 8. American Airlines plans to reenter the JFK market by March 2027, and Air Canada will reinstate Toronto-TLV service four times weekly beginning January 17, 2027.

<

“Airlines are responding to clear market signals,” said Yoram Elgrabli, Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America. “The market is telling us it’s safe and appealing for American visitors. Competition benefits everyone, especially travelers through lower prices.”

<

New Israeli entrants are also positioning for growth. Budget carrier Israir, acquired by Rami Levy’s retail group in 2021, secured FAA approval to operate JFK service and plans to launch flights October 19, with potential acceleration pending final permits. The airline will deploy two Airbus A330-200s reclaimed from former US Airways/American Airlines fleets. Arkia, which began TLV-JFK operations in February 2025, is expanding with a Boeing 787 lease and plans to introduce an Airbus A330-300 shortly.

<

El Al Airlines maintains comprehensive U.S. coverage with nonstop service to JFK, Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Pricing trends reflect the market recovery. Following Israel’s airspace reopening after the April-May conflict with Iran, El Al’s economy round-trip fares rose from approximately $1,530 in early July to $2,666 by month-end. August saw near-capacity bookings with premium fares between $3,650-$4,060. Competitor Arkia offered $1,750-$2,500 fares, peaking at $3,400. Today, Delta lists economy round-trips from TLV at $1,454, with Delta Comfort starting at $3,044, validating Elgrabli’s assessment that competition-driven pricing is benefiting travelers.

Source link