Competition on the New York route: Israir opens ticket sales
Israir has announced that it will begin selling tickets for its new New York route next Tuesday. The first flights are scheduled for October 19, 2026, pending final approval from U.S. aviation authorities.
Israir has announced that it will open ticket sales for its new route to New York next Tuesday, following receipt of approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The company stated that the first flights are scheduled to depart on October 19, 2026, noting that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must still complete the final inspection and approval process for the company's operations.
Initially, there was hope that Israir would launch the route as early as this summer, a period when Israeli airlines dominated the U.S. routes in the absence of American carriers, with El Al and Arkia recording record sales. However, with U.S. airlines Delta and United expected to return to Israel in early September, just in time for the High Holy Days, Israir will be entering a more competitive market. Despite this, the move could prove significant for Israeli consumers, as the company has promised "surprising" prices.
In July 2025, Israir received a permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate as a foreign air carrier, though the permit was conditional upon meeting the requirements of the FAA, the TSA, and other authorities. In the meantime, the company has already acquired a wide-body aircraft and trained its crews. It set a conservative launch date to avoid the risks of selling tickets for dates not yet fully cleared. The company stated that if final approval is received earlier, it will accelerate the opening of the New York route.
