Israir Cleared to Resume U.S. Flights by 2026

Israir Airlines has secured final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to renew its foreign air carrier permit, setting the stage for the airline’s return to the U.S. market after a 17-year hiatus. The green light follows tentative approval granted in April and clears the way for scheduled and charter operations between Israel and the United States.

The Israeli carrier plans to launch up to six weekly nonstop roundtrip flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and the New York area in time for the Passover travel season in 2026. The service will be operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, marking Israir’s reentry into long-haul operations after last serving the U.S. in 2009.

The renewed permit allows Israir to carry passengers, cargo, and mail from Israel to the U.S., including via intermediate points, and also grants the right to operate beyond the U.S. under established international route authorities. In addition to scheduled service, the airline can now conduct a range of charter flights under current U.S. foreign air carrier rules.

Israir’s return to the U.S. market aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to expand its international footprint and capitalize on the growing demand for transatlantic travel from Israel. The move positions Israir to compete with existing operators on the Tel Aviv–New York route, including El Al, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

The A330-200 aircraft expected to be used for the new route offer wide-body comfort and capacity, suggesting Israir is aiming to compete not only on frequency but also on the quality of passenger experience.

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