Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Mon August 31, 2026
WHY IT RATES: Major U.S. and Canadian carriers are strengthening connections to Tel Aviv from key gateway markets, giving travelers more nonstop options as demand for travel to Israel rebounds.
Tourism to Israel is poised for renewed momentum as leading U.S. and Canadian airlines prepare to restore nonstop service to Tel Aviv, expanding access from key North American gateway markets in the months ahead. The return of major carriers signals growing confidence in the market and provides travelers with more direct options to reach Israel as demand for travel rebounds.
Delta Air Lines will resume daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on Sept. 6, while United Airlines will offer twice-daily nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) beginning September 8, 2026.
“We’re thrilled to see leading North American airlines resume service to Israel, demonstrating continued confidence in the destination and strengthening connections between Israel and travelers across the continent,” said Yoram Elgrabli, Tourism Commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism. “The return of nonstop service from key gateway markets is an important milestone in Israel’s tourism recovery. As airlines continue to restore and expand their networks Israel is ready and eager to welcome visitors from North America.”
EL AL Israel Airlines is also expanding its North American network with the launch of service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tel Aviv beginning Oct. 25, creating a new nonstop option for travelers on the West Coast.
Additional service will return from other key North American markets in the months ahead. Delta will resume flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Tel Aviv on Dec. 18. United Airlines will also resume service starting this winter to Tel Aviv from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Air Canada plans to reinstate service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) four times weekly beginning Jan. 17, 2027, while American Airlines plans to return to the New York-Tel Aviv market from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in March 2027.
Israir, the Israeli low-cost carrier, is also preparing to enter the U.S. market, with plans to launch service from New York beginning Oct. 19, pending approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
Together, the returning and expanded services will strengthen Israel’s connections to some of its most important North American source markets, providing travelers with more nonstop options and greater flexibility when planning trips to the destination.
For more information about Israel’s tourism offerings, visit israel.travel.
SOURCE: Israel Ministry of Tourism press release
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