United and Delta Resume Tel Aviv Flights After Suspension

Resumption of Transatlantic Service

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have officially resumed commercial flights to Israel, marking a significant return to the US-Israel aviation market after a prolonged suspension. The pause in service, which began in late February 2026 following the start of Operation Roaring Lion, saw major carriers halt operations due to the regional security environment. The return of these legacy carriers ends a period where El Al Israel Airlines maintained a virtual monopoly on nonstop flights between the United States and Israel.

United Airlines re-established its link from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV) on Wednesday, utilizing the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. The carrier is currently operating two daily round-trip frequencies on this route. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines resumed its service on Monday, deploying the Airbus A330-900neo for daily nonstop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Both airlines conducted internal security reviews in coordination with government intelligence before finalizing their return.

Competitive Dynamics and Future Expansion

The reintroduction of capacity by US carriers is expected to impact pricing and market share, as the six-month monopoly held by the Israeli flag carrier concludes. United Airlines has announced an aggressive expansion plan for its Israel network. Beyond the current two daily flights from Newark, the airline plans to add a third daily frequency starting in November 2026. Further network restoration is slated for October 2026, when United expects to reinstate direct service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Looking toward 2027, the carrier plans to resume flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in March. United has positioned this specific route as a premium-heavy offering, claiming it will feature the highest frequency of business class seats between the two cities of any airline. This phased approach prioritizes high-demand East Coast hubs while delaying secondary and West Coast connections until security and demand metrics normalize.

Aircraft Specifications

United Boeing 787-10 vs. Delta Airbus A330-900neo

Strategic Security and Operational Context

The decision to resume flights follows a pattern observed in previous geopolitical conflicts. Historically, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and major airlines have utilized cautious, phased restoration strategies during periods of regional instability. In July 2014, for instance, the FAA issued a 36-hour prohibition on US airlines flying to Ben-Gurion Airport due to rocket fire, establishing a precedent for how US carriers manage airspace safety. The current return reflects a similar risk-mitigation framework where safety remains the primary constraint on operational capacity.

Phased Network Restoration Timeline

• October 2026: United Airlines expects to resume service from Chicago (ORD) and Washington (IAD).
• November 2026: United Airlines plans to add a third daily frequency on the Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv route.
• March 2027: United Airlines is scheduled to reinstate direct flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Tel Aviv.

Why This Matters for the Aviation Market

The return of US legacy carriers signals a stabilization of the transatlantic corridor to the Middle East. For business travelers, the restoration of premium capacity is a critical development, although West Coast connectivity will remain limited for several months. For the broader industry, the shift marks a transition from a constrained, monopoly-dominated period back to a competitive environment, which will likely influence fare structures and passenger traffic flows throughout the remainder of the year.