Israir (Wikipedia)
Israeli airline Israir has achieved a significant milestone by receiving temporary approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate flights between Israel and the United States. The approval, valid for two years, marks a critical step toward the airline’s goal of obtaining a permanent operating license on the highly competitive Tel Aviv–New York route.
“It is estimated that the flights will operate starting from Passover 2026, and possibly before, depending on the availability of the aircraft on a long-term dry lease,” said the airline.
This development positions Israir to increase competition and offer more options to travelers on one of the most in-demand transatlantic routes. The airline is now actively working to meet additional requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to secure its final operating certification.
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Israir anticipates receiving full FAA and TSA clearance by June 2025, according to its official timeline. Once approved, the airline aims to offer affordable, direct flights between Ben Gurion Airport and major U.S. hubs, potentially disrupting the market dominance of existing carriers and enhancing air travel connectivity between Israel and the U.S.
To facilitate the opening of the route, Israir will secure Airbus A330 aircraft through a dry lease, meaning the airline will be responsible for providing its own flight and maintenance crews.
“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.”
Israir Airlines Ltd., commonly known as Israir, is an Israeli low-cost airline with its headquarters in Tel Aviv. Founded in 1989, it is Israel’s second-largest airline, surpassing Arkia Israel Airlines in size. The airline is wholly owned by the Rami Levy Group.
April 2025, Israir operates a fleet of 8 Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Historically, they have also operated Boeing 737, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, ATR 42/72, and Short 330/360 aircraft.
