Flight map showing a NYC to Tel Aviv route (The Judean)

In a major development for international travel, United Airlines has officially announced its return to Israel, marking a significant milestone after a five-month suspension of operations due to the war that erupted in October 2023. The airline, a key player in transatlantic travel, will resume flights to Tel Aviv starting March 15, with a daily route connecting Ben Gurion Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. By the end of March, a second daily flight will be added to accommodate growing demand. All flights will be operated on the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ensuring passengers a comfortable and modern flying experience.

Sky-High Prices for a Sky-High Demand

While United’s return is welcome news for travelers, securing a seat on these flights won’t come cheap. A standard economy ticket for a round-trip flight departing on March 29 and returning on April 5 costs a staggering $1,318—including a checked suitcase. The same fare applies to flights during Passover, one of the busiest travel periods, for journeys between April 11 and April 18. With Israel’s tourism sector rebounding, the demand for flights is expected to soar, potentially driving ticket prices even higher.

Delta Joins the Comeback Wave

United is not the only American airline making a comeback. Delta Airlines, another major U.S. carrier, is set to resume flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Tel Aviv starting April 1. Operating daily on the advanced Airbus A330-900neo, Delta’s flights will cater to roughly 2,000 passengers weekly. This move further solidifies the reopening of Israel’s skies to international carriers, providing more options for travelers eager to return to the country.

El Al: The Lifeline Airline

Throughout the conflict, Israel’s national airline, El Al, remained the only carrier consistently operating direct flights between the U.S. and Israel. While foreign airlines suspended their services due to security concerns, El Al stepped up, ensuring that Israelis and visitors alike could continue their journeys between the two nations.

Now, with the return of United, Delta, and other global airlines, El Al faces renewed competition—but its unwavering commitment during Israel’s toughest moments has solidified its reputation as the nation’s most reliable carrier.

More Airlines Reopening Routes to Israel

United’s announcement is just one piece of a larger trend: the rapid resurgence of international airlines reestablishing their connection with Israel. In recent weeks, several major carriers have revealed their plans to return:

  • Arkia & TechAir: A joint initiative between Israel’s Arkia Airlines and TechAir, an Israeli high-tech consortium, will soon introduce direct flights between Israel and the U.S., starting with a launch flight this Saturday night.
  • Air France: France’s national airline has resumed daily flights on the Paris-Haifa route and is expected to increase the frequency of its services in the coming months.
  • Transavia France: The low-cost subsidiary of Air France-KLM restarted its flights to Israel on January 28, offering an affordable option for travelers between Europe and the Jewish state.
  • Lufthansa Group: The European aviation powerhouse, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, has begun gradually reinstating its flights to and from Tel Aviv.
  • British Airways: The UK’s flagship airline is set to resume flights on April 5, initially offering one daily route between Tel Aviv and London, with a second daily flight launching on April 20.
  • Ryanair: The Irish low-cost giant has confirmed that it will fully restore its flight schedule to Israel this summer, following a suspension in February 2024.
  • Wizz Air: The Hungarian budget airline has aggressively expanded its operations in Israel, adding new routes to Abu Dhabi, Rome, Milan, London, Warsaw, Krakow, and Budapest—supplementing its existing Larnaca route.
  • ITI Airways: Italy’s ITI Airways resumed its operations in Israel last month, bringing yet another European airline back into the fold.
  • EasyJet: The British low-cost airline has set June 1, 2025, as its official return date, signaling long-term confidence in Israel’s air travel market.

A Sign of Israel’s Resilience

The return of these airlines is more than just a logistical shift—it’s a powerful testament to Israel’s resilience and determination to maintain its global connectivity. The war that began in October 2023 led to an unprecedented halt in foreign carrier operations, but as security conditions improve and international confidence grows, airlines are eager to reestablish their foothold in Israel’s lucrative travel market.

With United Airlines leading the charge, the skies above Israel are once again bustling with international flights. Whether for business, tourism, or reconnecting with loved ones, travelers now have more options than ever to fly to and from the Jewish state. As the airline industry rebounds, one thing is clear: Israel is open for business, and the world is taking notice.

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