TEL AVIV- Israir Airlines (6H) has announced plans to launch nonstop flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York (JFK) during the upcoming winter season.
Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority has initiated discussions with US regulators to secure necessary approvals for the proposed service.
Israir Tel Aviv to New York
The airline faces operational challenges due to its current fleet composition. Israir operates eight Airbus A320s, which lack the range capability for transatlantic routes. To overcome this limitation, Israir plans to wet lease two wide-body aircraft, where another operator would provide both aircraft and crew while Israir manages ticket sales and marketing.
EL AL Israel (LY) currently maintains monopoly status on Israel-US routes, resulting in elevated fare prices for passengers. The lack of competition has particularly impacted travelers since the outbreak of conflict in the region.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev endorsed the initiative: “Israeli companies are demonstrating national responsibility in their mobilization during this challenging period. I commend Rami Levy and Israir Airlines for their initiative to operate a New York route, a step that will contribute to healthy competition, expanded options for the public, and lower flight prices.”
The Israel-US market demonstrates strong demand, with the primary challenges centering on operational consistency and security measures. EL AL has maintained regular service throughout the past year, leveraging its established security protocols and operational experience.
The success of Israir’s proposal hinges on regulatory approval and its ability to secure suitable aircraft through wet lease agreements. If approved, the service would introduce the first competitor to EL AL on direct Israel-US routes since the conflict began.
Challenging Monopoly of EL AL Israel
EL AL maintains its Israel-US operations through specialized aircraft equipped with advanced safety features unavailable to other carriers. This security advantage bolsters EL AL’s unique position in serving the Israeli market.
Israir faces significant regulatory hurdles in launching its proposed Tel Aviv-New York route. International route approvals typically require months of processing, potentially conflicting with Israir’s targeted winter launch timeline.
The airline confronts additional challenges in securing a wet lease partner. Many operators may decline participation due to insurance restrictions or risk assessment concerns in the current geopolitical climate.
Despite these obstacles, the Tel Aviv-New York route presents significant profit potential under current market conditions. The absence of competition and high demand could generate substantial revenue, even with limited marketing and preparation time.
However, the route’s profitability could decrease if major carriers resume their Israeli services, introducing renewed competition in the market.
American Airlines Extended Suspension
American Airlines (AA) has suspended its Tel Aviv service until September 2025, extending the longest service interruption among U.S. legacy carriers since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The Dallas Fort Worth-based carrier will halt its daily non-stop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv, according to reports from Israeli travel agencies on Sunday.
American Airlines released a statement: “To provide customers with certainty when planning travel to Tel Aviv, we are expanding our travel alert to allow customers whose travel plans are impacted to rebook their itinerary for travel involving a partner airline or cancel for a refund.”
The suspension creates significant changes in U.S.-Israel air connectivity:
- El Al remains the sole carrier offering non-stop U.S.-Israel flights
- Delta Air Lines (DL) plans to resume New York-Tel Aviv service on April 1, 2025
- United Airlines (UA), previously the largest U.S. carrier serving Israel, has indefinitely suspended Tel Aviv operations
The limited flight options between Tel Aviv and New York have triggered:
- Sharp increases in airfare prices on Tel Aviv’s most popular international route
- An ongoing investigation into El Al for potential price gouging
- Reduced travel options for passengers between the United States and Israel
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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