Israir Airlines (6H) has announced plans to introduce nonstop flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York (JFK) during the upcoming winter season. The move marks a strategic push to increase competition on the Israel–US route, currently monopolized by EL AL Israel Airlines (LY), which has led to elevated fares for travelers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel has already started coordinating with U.S. regulatory authorities to secure the necessary approvals for Israir’s proposed service. Despite the airline’s enthusiasm to enter the transatlantic market, Israir faces operational hurdles due to its fleet of eight Airbus A320s, which lack the range for long-haul flights. To address this, Israir plans to wet lease two wide-body aircraft. This arrangement will involve leasing planes with full crews from another operator while Israir handles ticket sales, marketing, and scheduling.
The timing of Israir’s planned route comes amid heightened demand for more affordable travel options between Israel and the U.S., a demand that has grown significantly since recent regional conflicts further limited travel options. By adding flights to New York, Israir aims to offer travelers an alternative and potentially more cost-effective option, breaking EL AL’s monopoly on direct Israel–US routes and increasing capacity during peak travel times.
Israir’s initiative not only underscores the airline’s ambitions to expand its reach but also reflects broader efforts to make transatlantic travel more accessible and competitively priced for passengers from Israel.
