American Airlines is set to make a significant return to the Israeli market. It will resume daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) starting March 28, 2026.

This move marks the carrier’s re-entry into Israel after suspending flights in October 2023 due to the Gaza conflict. The airline is also exploring a potential nonstop route from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tel Aviv as part of its 2026 long-haul strategy, aiming to capture new market opportunities.

A Strategic Return to Israel

The decision to restart the JFK-TLV route comes after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which has prompted several airlines to resume or expand services to Israel. American Airlines will operate the route using Boeing 777-200 aircraft, offering a reliable and comfortable travel option.

The outbound flight, AA18, departs JFK at 11:25 p.m., arriving in Tel Aviv at 5:00 p.m. the next day, with a flight time of approximately 10 hours and 15 minutes.

The return flight leaves TLV at 12:35 a.m., landing at JFK by 5:25 a.m. Tickets for this route are now on sale, signaling strong confidence in renewed demand.

This resumption positions American as the fifth U.S. carrier offering nonstop flights to Israel, joining El Al, Delta, United, and Arkia.

The airline previously launched JFK-TLV in 2021 and briefly operated a Miami-TLV route before suspending services. The 2026 relaunch reflects a broader trend, with European carriers like British Airways and Iberia also restarting Tel Aviv flights in late 2025.

Importance of the Route Resumption

The return of American Airlines to Tel Aviv is a significant development for travelers. Israel remains a key destination for both leisure and business travelers, particularly for the Jewish diaspora and those visiting religious and cultural sites.

The daily nonstop service from New York ensures convenient access, with the Boeing 777-200 offering modern amenities and a focus on passenger comfort.

This move also strengthens American’s competitive position in the U.S.-Israel market, where demand has been rebounding steadily post-ceasefire.

Possible Los Angeles to Tel Aviv Service

In addition to the JFK-TLV route, American Airlines is considering a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, potentially launching in spring 2026.

This route would target California’s large Jewish community and fill a gap in the market, as neither Delta nor United currently offer nonstop LAX-TLV flights.

American’s website already lists 2026 round-trip fares from LAX to TLV starting at around $859, indicating active planning.

The airline’s discussions with Israeli officials and its focus on expanding premium long-haul capacity with retrofitted widebody aircraft further support this potential expansion.

Looking Ahead

American’s return to Israel aligns with its broader strategy to optimize its long-haul network for 2026. By leveraging high-demand routes and modern aircraft, the airline aims to attract premium travelers while maintaining competitive pricing.

The potential LAX-TLV route could further solidify its presence in the U.S.-Israel market, offering travelers more options and flexibility.

For those planning travel to Israel, American Airlines’ resumed JFK-TLV service and potential LAX-TLV route signal a strong commitment to connectivity and convenience.