Delta, United, and Israir resume U.S.-Israel flights

Major airlines are resuming direct flight services between the United States and Israel following suspensions caused by regional conflict. Delta Air Lines has already restarted regular operations, with its first flight from New York’s JFK airport landing at Ben Gurion International Airport earlier this week.

United Airlines is scheduled to resume service this week from Newark Liberty International Airport, with additional flights from Chicago and Washington, D.C. planned for October. Delta is also expected to resume service from Atlanta in December.

Israeli carrier Israir has announced it will launch thrice-weekly flights to New York on September 15, expanding to daily service by late October. This marks the airline’s return to the route after an 18-year hiatus.

The return of these carriers introduces renewed competition on the transatlantic route, which has seen limited direct competition from U.S. airlines since service was frozen. While Delta has marketed attractive fares, industry observers note that United has maintained high pricing for the remainder of 2026. By next month, five airlines—El Al, Arkia, Israir, United, and Delta—will be operating direct flights between the U.S. and Israel.