” Berlowitz said. “Launching a direct route to New York is not just an expansion of business activity – it’s a testament to our growth, resilience, and vision. New York is a global hub, a critical strategic destination and the most important airline route for Israel. Arkia’s presence in this market marks a new era for us”.

Arkia Airlines inaugurated its new direct route to New York on Saturday night. The first flight, operated by an Airbus 330-900 NEO from Spanish-Portuguese carrier Iberojet, departed from Ben Gurion Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport following a celebratory ceremony.

The launch comes amid a growing recovery in Israel’s aviation sector. Next month, United Airlines is set to resume flights to Israel, followed by Delta Airlines in April—both returning after suspending operations in the wake of the war that began in October 2023.

“We plan to continue operating this route regularly following the success of our initial three-and-a-half-month project”, Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz said before takeoff. “We are considering expanding operations in response to growing demand. Our commitment is to provide high-quality service to our customers”.

Arkia’s entry into the New York market initially began as a joint initiative with TechAir, the Israeli high-tech headquarters, to address the severe shortage of flights between Israel and the U.S. The project, originally priced from 1,199 USD per ticket, has since transitioned into a fully Arkia-managed and operated route.

The new service will include three weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. The aircraft, featuring an Arkia crew, will operate in a spacious economy-class configuration with personal entertainment screens and two full kosher meals served onboard.

The launch ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport was attended by senior officials, including Larry L. Mammet, head of the economic department at the U.S. Embassy in Israel; Moshe Ben Zaken, director general of the Ministry of Transportation; Avner Flor, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority; Sharon Kedmi, director general of the Israel Airports Authority; Brig. Gen. (res.) Shmuel Zakay, director of the Civil Aviation Authority; and senior figures from Israel’s aviation sector.

“Today is a defining moment in Arkia’s history,” Berlowitz said. “Launching a direct route to New York is not just an expansion of business activity – it’s a testament to our growth, resilience, and vision. New York is a global hub, a critical strategic destination and the most important airline route for Israel. Arkia’s presence in this market marks a new era for us”.