Delta and United Resume Flights to Israel Ahead of High Holidays

Delta Air Lines resumed direct flights between New York and Israel on Sunday, while United Airlines plans to restart its Tel Aviv service on Tuesday, restoring more competition on one of Israel’s busiest international routes ahead of the High Holidays.

Delta restarted daily nonstop service between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Ben Gurion Airport on September 6. The first flight departed New York on Sunday and will arrive in Israel Monday morning.

United Airlines is scheduled to resume service on September 8 with two daily flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv. The airline had suspended the route during the war with Iran.

A third United flight from Newark, operating four times a week, is expected to begin in November, according to JNS. United also plans to restore direct service to Israel from Chicago and Washington later this year.

The return of the two major American carriers follows the resumption of flights to Israel by many European airlines and comes shortly before the High Holiday travel season, when demand for flights between Israel and the United States traditionally rises.

Travel industry officials said the additional competition could eventually help lower fares, although they cautioned that passengers may not see a significant effect until after the fall holidays.

Mark Feldman, CEO of Jerusalem-based Ziontours, said Delta has been marketing its return with comparatively attractive fares, while United’s prices for the remainder of 2026 remain high across economy, premium economy and business class.

Delta also plans to restore direct service between Atlanta and Tel Aviv after December 18. Its current schedule shows flights beginning again on December 19.

American Airlines remains the only one of the three major U.S. legacy carriers without service to Israel. It has postponed its planned return to Tel Aviv until next spring.

By next month, five airlines will operate direct flights between Israel and the United States: El Al, Arkia, Israir, Delta and United.