Israir launched direct service between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in mid-September 2026, marking the Israeli airline's return to the US market for the first time since 2009. The airline invested approximately $85 million in two Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft to support the long-haul operation.
The Tel Aviv-JFK service initially operates three times weekly, increasing to four weekly frequencies from 19 October 2026 and six weekly from 1 December 2026. AeroRoutes confirmed the inaugural date as 16 September 2026, with the airline's schedule showing the TLV-JFK leg operating through winter 2026/27 at up to six weekly flights.
Israir joins El Al and Arkia as the third Israeli carrier on the route, and becomes the fourth airline operating at JFK on the Tel Aviv corridor alongside El Al, Arkia and Delta Air Lines. Aviation Week notes the launch adds capacity to a New York-Tel Aviv market where airlines offered approximately 168,200 two-way seats in September 2026.
The service follows a multi-stage regulatory process. Israir applied to the US Department of Transportation in March 2025, received FAA approval in August 2026 and signed more than 60 operational agreements before launch. The carrier also recruited and trained dedicated A330 flight crews during the preparation period. Israir CEO Uri Sirkis has indicated Miami as a potential future US destination as the airline builds out its widebody fleet toward a planned six-aircraft configuration.
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