Home » AIRLINE NEWS » American Airlines Joins Delta, United And Israir to Resume Flights from New York to Tel Aviv in 2026, Bringing Hope for More Global Connections!
Published on
October 28, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
In a significant development for transatlantic air travel, American Airlines has announced the resumption of its daily nonstop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), effective March 28, 2026. This move marks the airline’s return to the Israeli market after a hiatus following the escalation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
American Airlines becomes the fifth U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Israel, joining Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and low-cost Israeli carriers Israir and Arkia. The resumption of this route reflects a broader trend among major U.S. and Israeli carriers to reinstate services between the U.S. and Israel, following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
What’s New
American Airlines will operate the JFK-TLV route using Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, offering a range of seating options to accommodate various passenger preferences. The outbound flight, designated AA18, will depart JFK at 11:25 p.m., arriving in Tel Aviv at 5:00 p.m. the following day, with a flight time of approximately 10 hours and 15 minutes.
The return flight from Tel Aviv to New York, AA19, is scheduled to commence on March 31, 2026, departing at 12:35 a.m. and arriving in New York at 6:00 a.m. the same day.
Tickets for these flights became available for purchase on October 27, 2025, and are expected to be in high demand due to the popularity of the route.
Why This Matters
The resumption of American Airlines’ service between New York and Tel Aviv is significant for several reasons:
Enhanced Connectivity: The daily nonstop flights provide passengers with more options for travel between the U.S. and Israel, facilitating business, tourism, and family visits.Increased Competition: The return of American Airlines to this route adds to the competitive landscape, potentially leading to more favorable pricing and improved services for travelers.Economic Impact: The reinstatement of this route is expected to boost tourism and business interactions between the U.S. and Israel, contributing positively to both economies.When and WhereRoute: New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV)Start Date: March 28, 2026Frequency: DailyAircraft: Boeing 777-200ERFlight Times:JFK to TLV: Departs at 11:25 p.m., arrives at 5:00 p.m. the next dayTLV to JFK: Begins March 31, 2026; departs at 12:35 a.m., arrives at 6:00 a.m. the same dayHow the Service Is Operated
American Airlines will utilize its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for this route, which are equipped with modern amenities to ensure passenger comfort. The aircraft offers multiple cabin classes, including Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences.
The airline has implemented enhanced safety and security measures in response to the previous suspension of services, ensuring a secure and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
Broader Industry Context
American Airlines joins several other carriers in resuming or expanding services between the U.S. and Israel:
Delta Airlines: Resumed daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Tel Aviv on September 1, 2025, utilizing Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. Delta also added a second daily flight from November 30, 2025, through January 19, 2026, to meet increased winter travel demand.United Airlines: Resumed flights from New York and Newark to Tel Aviv on July 21, 2025, with a second daily flight added the following day. United also offers connections to Tel Aviv through partners like Lufthansa.El Al: Continues to operate multiple daily flights between New York and Tel Aviv, providing passengers with additional options for travel.Israir: Gained approval to launch nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and New York in spring 2026, aiming to operate up to six weekly flights.
The reintroduction of these services underscores the resilience of the aviation industry and the importance of robust international connections in fostering global ties.
A positive shift in the aviation landscape
In conclusion, American Airlines’ decision to resume daily nonstop flights between New York and Tel Aviv in 2026 reflects a positive shift in the aviation landscape, offering travelers enhanced options and contributing to the strengthening of U.S.-Israel relations. As the travel industry continues to recover, such developments are indicative of a broader trend toward increased connectivity and cooperation on the global stage.
Image: American Airlines
