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In a step toward increasing competition on routes to the United States, Israeli airline Israir announced Monday it has received official approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate flights to the U.S.
The company is now entering the next phase of the process—meeting all regulatory requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Israir said final approval is expected by June 2025, in line with the timeline presented to its board of directors, and described the move as a foundation for securing a permanent operating license. “This marks a significant leap forward for the company,” Israir said in a statement, calling the approval “a vote of confidence in our professionalism, reliability and operational excellence.”
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The airline said it plans to launch flights around Passover 2026—or possibly earlier—depending on the availability of aircraft secured through long-term dry lease agreements. The flights will be operated by Israir flight crews and aircraft branded with the airline’s logo.
Following the outbreak of war in October 2023, U.S. airlines halted service to Israel, leaving El Al as the sole carrier operating on the route. The first sign of renewed activity came in February when Israeli airline Arkia launched a route to New York. Last month, United Airlines resumed flights to Israel, and this month Delta Air Lines followed suit.