Israir Looks to Return to New York after 16 Years

‍DALLAS — Israir Airlines (6H) is preparing to reenter the U.S. market by applying for a foreign air carrier permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

The Israeli carrier used to operate flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), beginning regular charter service in June 2004, later converted to scheduled service on May 1, 2006.

Israir last served the U.S. in 2009, having cancelled the route due to the increasing expenses associated with fuel prices.

Sixteen years later, 6H plans to launch six weekly nonstop roundtrips using Airbus A330-200 aircraft between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)  and the New York region starting July 1, 2025. 

Competition

The move comes as part of efforts to counter a significant capacity shortfall on routes between Israel and the U.S.—with available seats now about 42% lower than pre-conflict levels following the October 2023 escalation, according to Aviation Week—while other Israeli and U.S. carriers steadily expand or resume services amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Inbound, El Al Israel Airlines (LY) operates 41 round-trip flights per week on six routes, up from 34 weekly flights in March 2023. Arkia Airlines (IZ) began nonstop service between TLV and JFK last month.

Outbound, United Airlines (U), and Delta Air Lines (DL) have indicated preparations to restore service to the Holy Land following January's ceasefire agreements between Hamas and Israel.

Foreign Air Carrier Economic Licensing

Foreign air carriers like 6H must secure economic authority from the DOT to operate scheduled services to and from the United States. Under Title 49 of the U.S. Code, this authority—granted either as a permit or a time-limited exemption—requires applicants to submit detailed information about their ownership, management, financial condition, and operating plans. 

In addition, carriers must obtain safety authority from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and comply with additional U.S. government regulations, ensuring that all operations meet established standards.

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