Israir Airlines has filed an application with the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) seeking a foreign air carrier permit to resume scheduled flights between Tel Aviv and New York, marking the carrier’s return to the U.S. market after a 16-year hiatus.
The move comes as part of efforts to address an ongoing capacity shortfall on routes between Israel and the U.S., where available seats remain about 42% lower than two years ago, prior to the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
According to the application, the Israeli airline plans to launch six weekly nonstop roundtrips between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and the New York region starting July 1. The route will be operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
In addition to scheduled passenger service, Israir plans to operate charter flights under the U.S.-Israel Air Transport Agreement. The airline last served the U.S. market in 2009 before suspending operations due to “market conditions” at the time.
Israir’s request aligns with the broader efforts by Israeli airlines to enhance connectivity with the U.S. given the shortage of international service to and from Israel that has arisen following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
Arkia Airlines in February launched nonstop service between Tel Aviv and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), while El Al Israel Airlines is currently offering 41 roundtrip flights per week across six routes, up from 34 weekly flights in March 2023.
However, U.S. carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have outlined plans to resume service to Israel following the first stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire announced on Jan. 19.
According to data from OAG Schedules Analyser, United will be the first to restart flights, with daily Newark-Tel Aviv service resuming on March 15 using Boeing 787-10 aircraft. Delta will then reinstate daily JFK-Tel Aviv flights from April 1, operating using A330-900neo equipment. Despite this, American Airlines has yet to announce a return date.
Before the Israel-Hamas war, American operated flights to Tel Aviv from JFK and Miami, while Delta served the city from Atlanta, Boston and JFK. United offered the most extensive network, connecting Tel Aviv with Newark, Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco and Washington Dulles.
DOT is accepting responses to Israir’s application through March 25.
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