Delta, United Resume Israel Flights as Network Expands

US Carriers Return to Tel Aviv

Delta Air Lines resumed its service to Israel on Monday, with flight DL234 from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV) at 8:43 a.m. The arrival occurred over 40 minutes ahead of schedule, according to Delta to restart New York-JFK to Tel Aviv service beginning Sept. 6. The flight, operated by an Airbus A330-900neo, marks the first Delta Air Lines departure to the region since the airline paused operations in March 2026 following the outbreak of the conflict known as Operation Roaring Lion.

United Airlines is also restoring its presence in the market this week. Flights UA84 and UA90 are scheduled to depart from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Tuesday, with arrivals in Tel Aviv expected on Wednesday. These flights will utilize the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, marking the first direct US legacy competition for El Al Israel Airlines in over six months. During the suspension, United Airlines passengers had relied on connecting through Star Alliance partners such as Lufthansa to reach Ben-Gurion Airport.

European Network Expansion

Beyond US carriers, European airlines are scaling up their Israeli operations. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is scheduled to restart its route between Copenhagen and Tel Aviv on October 26, 2026. The carrier will operate four round-trip flights weekly using Airbus A320neo aircraft. Notably, this schedule represents a higher frequency than the airline's pre-war service levels.

Additionally, the low-cost carrier Wizz Air announced an expansion of its network in Israel. The airline is adding new service to Catania, London Gatwick, Venice, Cluj, and Iasi. This move follows a period where the carrier had intermittently paused and restarted operations due to the regional security environment.

Competitive Landscape and Security

For El Al Israel Airlines, the return of US legacy carriers ends a six-month monopoly on nonstop US-Israel routes. This shift is expected to pressure yields and influence market share for the Israeli flag carrier. Meanwhile, Ben-Gurion Airport operations are set to benefit from increased landing fees and terminal footfall. According to corporate statements, Delta Air Lines decided to resume the route following a thorough review of the evolving security environment in coordination with government agencies. However, some aviation security analysts and pilot unions maintain a cautious stance, emphasizing the inherent risks of operating in regions with potential for unpredictable airspace closures.

Widebody Aircraft Deployment

The Path to Resumption

Historically, the aviation industry has navigated similar pauses during regional instability. In July 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily prohibited US carriers from flying to Ben-Gurion Airport following a rocket incident, leading to a 36-hour suspension before protocols were updated. The current resumption follows a pattern established after the October 2023 attacks, where carriers returned to the market in phased waves as security assessments stabilized. The FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) continue to issue security directives that govern the operational viability of these routes.

Upcoming Milestone: SAS Route Restart

Scandinavian Airlines is confirmed to restart its Copenhagen to Tel Aviv route on October 26, 2026. This service will be a key indicator of market demand recovery in northern Europe. The airline’s commitment to a four-flight-per-week schedule suggests a strong outlook for connectivity between the two regions, subject to continued adherence to international airspace security directives.

Why This Matters for Connectivity

The resumption of these routes signifies a critical normalization of international travel capacity for Israel. For connecting passengers, the return of direct service via United Airlines and Delta Air Lines simplifies complex itineraries that previously required European transfers. For the broader industry, these movements demonstrate how major carriers balance commercial objectives with stringent, evolving security requirements in volatile markets.