Low-cost Israir gets permit to operate flights to New York

Low-cost carrier Israir is granted a license to operate long-haul services to New York and is set to become the third Israeli airline to offer nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York, the Transportation Ministry says.

Israir previously announced that the airline seeks to start plying the route by Passover in spring 2026, with as many as six weekly nonstop roundtrip flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and New York.

The plans for the debut of Israir’s long-haul flight service to New York come after local rival Arkia launched nonstop service between Tel Aviv and New York in early February, bringing more competition into the mix against flag carrier El Al.

“This is an important step to strengthen competition, lower prices, improve service, and expand options for the public,” says Transportation Minister Miri Regev. “After United announced the resumption of its flights to Israel, we are also working to bring back Delta on the route.”

“The air route between Israel and the US will be growing stronger, with five airlines operating between the countries: three Israeli and two American,” Regev says.