Move over, El Al and Arkia. Israir is joining the transatlantic club. The airline best known for sun runs and short hops is now going long-haul, with a new route connecting Israel to New York. Yep, that New York.
In This Post
Temporary Approval, Big Dreams
According to the Jerusalem Post: As of April 2025, Israir has been granted a two-year temporary approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate flights to the United States. Final approval is expected by June 2025, but Israir isn’t waiting to schlep their feet. They’re pressing ahead. This move makes them the third Israeli carrier to operate U.S.-bound flights, after the national heavyweight El Al and the lower-key leisure player Arkia.
Going Wide with the A330-200
No, Israir isn’t secretly hiding a fleet of widebodies behind the scenes. For this ambitious New York run, they’ll be leasing an Airbus A330-200, a solid, if slightly seasoned, twin-aisle workhorse that’s already done its fair share of Atlantic crossings for other airlines.
It’s a notable step up from their usual narrowbody game, and it signals Israir’s interest in more than just Tel Aviv–Kos holidaymakers.
What’s Next?
Details like launch dates, flight schedules, and cabin configs are still under wraps, but this is shaping up to be one of the boldest expansions we’ve seen from Israir. The A330 gives them a serious range, and New York isn’t exactly a small test market. It’s the big leagues.
El Al may have the prestige and Arkia the occasional charm, but Israir might just bring fresh, scrappy energy to the JFK showdown. Watch this space or at least the departure board.
Keep the Miles Rolling
1 comment
What an insightful read! As someone who often flies from Dubai to New York, it’s refreshing to see Israir’s boldness in re-entering this competitive route.