The Israel-US flight market is about to change, with more airlines and more direct flights expected in the coming months.

Israir has received final approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate commercial flights to the United States. The airline is expected to begin selling tickets soon.

Israir plans to launch its first US route to New York, with flights currently scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026. However, the airline may start flying earlier now that it has received the FAA approval ahead of schedule.

Israir joins the New York route

The Tel Aviv-New York route is one of the most popular routes for Israeli travelers.

Israir has been preparing for its long-haul service by adding two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft and recruiting additional pilots.

The airline says its US expansion will give travelers more choices and increase competition in the market.

Arkia is already expanding

Israir will not be the only airline adding flights to New York.

Arkia is already flying between Tel Aviv and New York and is adding more flights because of strong demand.

During August and September, Arkia is adding Monday and Wednesday flights using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Neos, with 345 seats.

Starting September 11, Arkia is also expected to use an Airbus A330-300 operated by Hi Fly, with 46 Business Class seats and 203 Economy seats. The flights are expected to include an Israeli Arkia crew.

Delta and United are coming back

More competition is also expected from US airlines.

Delta and United are expected to resume flights to Israel in early September, joining El Al and Arkia.

Delta is expected to resume flights from New York, while United is expected to return to Newark.

For travelers, this means more airlines, more flights and more nonstop options to the US after months of limited service.

What about American Airlines?

American Airlines is taking a different approach.

The airline has postponed its return to Israel until March 2027, so it will not be part of the expected September return of Delta and United.

More choices for travelers

The picture is changing quickly:

Arkia is expanding. Israir is joining. Delta and United are returning.

That could mean more seats, more flight options and stronger competition - which may also lead to better prices for travelers.

For anyone planning a trip to New York, there will soon be more choices than there have been in months.

The big question now: which airline will offer the best deal?