United Airlines announced Tuesday that it will resume flights to Israel in two weeks, becoming the first U.S. carrier to renew service to Tel Aviv since Israel’s war with Iran.
The Chicago-based carrier said it will restart daily nonstop service from its Newark hub to Tel Aviv starting on July 21, and will operate two daily flights on the route from the next day.
“The resumption is in line with United’s longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv,” the airline said in a statement sent to JNS, noting that it has flown to Israel more than any other U.S. carrier this year. “United service to Tel Aviv always follows a detailed assessment of operational considerations in the region and close consultation with the unions representing our flight attendants and pilots.”
United began selling flights to and from Tel Aviv on its website on Tuesday starting at less than $1,150 round trip in economy.
The airline, which had suspended flights to Israel on June 13 at the start of the war with Iran and the closure of Israeli airspace, had previously been set to resume service to Tel Aviv on Aug. 1.
Before the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, United operated the most flights to Israel of any U.S. carrier.
United’s chief rival, Delta Air Lines, is set to renew service from New York to Tel Aviv on Sept. 1. It could also move up its flights to Israel in the wake of United’s move.
In contrast to its two competitors, American Airlines has stayed away entirely from Israel for nearly two years.
The lucrative transatlantic route has been operated this month only by Israeli carriers El Al and Arkia, on completely oversold flights sending summer airfares soaring.
The European Aviation Authority on Monday lifted all flight restrictions on Israel.
