El Al and Arkia restore Tel Aviv-New York flights from March 19, 2026, re-establishing a key transatlantic route with nonstop and stopover options.
Air links between Israel and the United States have been restored, as Israeli carriers resume operations on one of the world’s busiest transatlantic routes following a temporary suspension tied to regional tensions.
Flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines and Arkia Israeli Airlines officially relaunched services between Tel Aviv and New York-area airports on March 19, 2026, re-establishing a critical corridor for business travel, tourism and diaspora connectivity.
Nonstop and flexible routing return
El Al has reinstated its nonstop flights from Ben Gurion International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport, restoring direct access between the two major hubs.
Arkia, meanwhile, has adopted a more flexible operating model. Its services to Newark Liberty International Airport now include stopovers in key European cities such as Athens International Airport and Vienna International Airport.
This hybrid approach allows the airline to maintain service continuity while adapting to airspace constraints and operational considerations in the region.
Restoring a high-demand corridor
The Tel Aviv–New York route is one of the most heavily trafficked long-haul connections linking the Middle East and North America. According to data from the International Air Transport Association, the corridor typically carries more than 75,000 passengers per month.
The temporary suspension created a notable gap in connectivity, affecting corporate travel, tourism flows and family travel across the Israeli diaspora. Airlines have now confirmed that late March departures are fully reinstated and available for booking.
Operational adjustments reflect regional realities
Arkia’s decision to introduce stopovers reflects a broader industry trend during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. By routing flights through European hubs, carriers can navigate restricted or sensitive airspace while preserving schedule reliability.
Passengers are being offered a range of connection options, with layover times varying from 90 minutes to four hours. Pricing remains broadly competitive with pre-suspension levels, suggesting airlines are prioritising demand recovery and route stability.
