NEW YORK, UNITED STATES | Direct air connections between North America and Israel are set to expand significantly in the coming months, with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines preparing to restore New York-area service to Tel Aviv in September and additional routes planned by Air Canada, EL AL, Israir and American Airlines.
The expanded schedule is expected to give travelers more options after repeated disruptions to international service at Ben Gurion Airport during periods of regional conflict.
Delta confirmed Wednesday that it plans to resume daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Ben Gurion Airport on Sept. 6.
United Airlines has said it plans to restart service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv on Sept. 8, offering two daily flights.
The return of two major U.S. carriers will restore substantial competition on one of Israel’s most important international aviation markets and increase capacity shortly before the Jewish holiday season.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism said the growing number of returning and new routes reflects strengthening confidence in travel to Israel.
“It’s exciting to see more and more ways for travelers from North America to reach Israel,” Yoram Elgrabli, Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America, said.
“The return of nonstop service, together with new routes and connections, is a very positive sign for tourism and gives travelers greater choice and flexibility when planning a trip to Israel.”
Elgrabli added that Israel is preparing to welcome increasing numbers of visitors from both the United States and Canada.
Delta Returns to Tel Aviv in September
Delta said its JFK-Tel Aviv service will operate daily beginning Sept. 6 using an Airbus A330-900neo.
The airline said the decision followed a review of security conditions and that it will continue monitoring developments with aviation authorities and government agencies.
Delta has repeatedly adjusted its Israel schedule in response to the regional security situation.
Its return to New York service will be followed by a planned resumption of Atlanta-Tel Aviv flights on Dec. 19, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
Delta has not yet announced a date for the delayed launch of its previously planned Boston-Tel Aviv route.
United Plans Twice-Daily Newark Flights
United Airlines plans to resume service from Newark on Sept. 8 with two daily nonstop flights to Ben Gurion Airport.
United has traditionally been one of the largest U.S. carriers serving Israel and has maintained a substantial presence on the Newark-Tel Aviv route.
The airline suspended service during the latest period of regional conflict but has continued to signal its intention to return when security conditions permit.
United is also expected to restore Tel Aviv service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport during the winter season.
Exact restart dates for those routes were not included in the tourism ministry announcement.
The return of multiple United routes would significantly broaden access to Israel beyond the New York metropolitan area and provide connecting options for travelers from across the United States and Canada.
Air Canada Plans January Return From Toronto
For Canadian travelers, the most significant development is Air Canada’s planned return to Israel.
The carrier intends to restore nonstop service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Tel Aviv beginning Jan. 17, 2027, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
The route is expected to operate four times per week.
Air Canada’s return would restore a major direct link between Israel and Canada, particularly for Toronto’s large Jewish and Israeli communities.
Toronto has historically been Israel’s most important Canadian gateway, allowing passengers from other Canadian cities to connect through Pearson for onward travel to Tel Aviv.
Air Canada currently lists Tel Aviv itineraries for early 2027 through its booking system, although schedules remain subject to operational and security considerations.
As with all planned Israel service, travelers should verify flight schedules before departure because airlines have repeatedly revised operations in response to changing regional conditions.
EL AL Adds San Francisco
Israeli flag carrier EL AL is also expanding its North American network.
The airline plans to launch nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport and Tel Aviv beginning Oct. 25.
EL AL currently advertises nonstop San Francisco-Tel Aviv flights beginning in late October.
The route will restore a direct connection between Israel and Northern California, one of North America’s most important technology and business centers.
The service may be particularly significant for the technology sector because of extensive business connections between Israeli companies and Silicon Valley.
It will also provide another direct option for Jewish communities across Northern California and the U.S. West Coast.
Israir Preparing First New York Service
Israir is also preparing to enter the U.S. market.
The Israeli carrier plans to begin service between New York and Tel Aviv on Oct. 19, according to the tourism ministry.
The move would add another Israeli airline to the highly competitive transatlantic market and increase capacity between Israel and the largest Jewish population center outside Israel.
Israir’s planned expansion comes after Israeli carriers became particularly important during periods when many foreign airlines suspended service.
EL AL, Arkia and Israir have continued operating routes or adding capacity during periods when international carriers reduced their presence, making Israeli airlines a crucial transportation link for citizens, visitors and diaspora communities.
American Airlines Targets March 2027 Return
American Airlines is planning a later return.
The carrier is expected to restore New York-JFK service to Tel Aviv in March 2027.
American currently has a travel waiver covering Tel Aviv travel through March 26, 2027, reflecting the extended suspension of its Israel operations.
Its eventual return would mean that all three major U.S. legacy carriers, American, Delta and United, would once again serve Israel.
American’s schedule remains further away than those of Delta and United and could still change depending on security and operational considerations.
A Significant Development for Israel’s Tourism Industry
Restoring North American air service carries importance well beyond aviation.
Tourism has historically been an important part of Israel’s economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation businesses, cultural sites and thousands of jobs.
International visitor numbers were severely affected after the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, and the wars and security disruptions that followed.
Periodic missile attacks, airspace closures and airline suspensions complicated efforts to restore tourism even when visitor demand began recovering.
The gradual return of large foreign airlines therefore carries both practical and symbolic significance.
More nonstop capacity means greater competition, more itinerary choices and potentially improved fares.
It also reduces North American travelers’ dependence on connecting flights through Europe or on the limited number of Israeli carriers that continued operating during periods of disruption.
North America Remains a Critical Market
The United States remains one of Israel’s most important sources of international visitors.
The relationship extends beyond conventional tourism.
North American passengers travel to Israel for family visits, religious pilgrimages, educational programs, business, conferences, volunteer work and Jewish communal initiatives.
Canada also represents an important market, particularly from Toronto and Montreal.
For Jewish communities across both countries, reliable air access has additional importance because many travelers have family connections in Israel or visit for Jewish holidays and lifecycle events.
The upcoming restoration of flights therefore affects both Israel’s tourism industry and its connections with the Jewish diaspora.
Airlines Continue to Monitor Security
The growing schedule does not mean aviation uncertainty has disappeared.
Foreign carriers have repeatedly suspended and restored Israel service since October 2023, sometimes with little notice, as regional security conditions changed.
Airlines conduct their own risk assessments and coordinate with government aviation and security authorities before operating routes to Ben Gurion Airport.
Delta specifically said safety and security remain its highest priorities and that it will continue reviewing the regional environment.
Similar considerations will affect every announced route.
For travelers, the practical advice remains to confirm flight status, monitor airline notifications and understand rebooking policies before travel.
Still, the number of announced resumptions and expansions marks a substantial improvement in Israel’s North American connectivity.
Beginning in September, Delta and United are scheduled to return from the New York area. Israir plans to follow in October, alongside EL AL’s new San Francisco route. Delta’s Atlanta service is expected in December, Air Canada is targeting January, and American Airlines is planning a March return.
For Israel’s tourism industry, that calendar represents something that has often been elusive during the past several years: a growing network of direct routes and a clearer path toward rebuilding international travel.
TheJ.ca receives no government money. Independent journalism depends on readers who believe these stories must be told. Please consider supporting our efforts.
Stand Proud. Stand Strong. Stand Zionist.
