Tech exec-run airline announces launch of Tel Aviv-New York flights in partnership with Arkia

Techair, a new Israeli airline initiated by a forum of leading tech executives and investors, is teaming up with Israel’s Arkia to launch flights to New York starting February 8 as flagship carrier El Al maintains a monopoly status on the route and US carriers are shunning Israel.

Starting February 8, three weekly flights on the Tel Aviv-New York route will be operated with an Airbus NEO 330-900 Iberojet and Arkia crews on board for a period of three months, Arkia says in a statement.

Roundtrip tickets from Tel Aviv to New York will start at $1,199 in economy class, including luggage and two meals. Tickets for the airline will be available via the Arkia sales channels.

Since war broke out following the October 7, 2023, onslaught by the Hamas terror group, foreign airlines have repeatedly canceled and resumed their flights to and from Israel.

In recent months, US airlines completely stopped flying to Israel amid heightened fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah terror group in southern Lebanon. Missile and drone attacks by Iran and Tehran-backed Houthis have further discouraged foreign airlines.