Arkia Launches New Direct Route To New York, Ending El Al Monopoly

Arkia Airlines has launched its new direct service to New York, ending El Al’s exclusive hold on this route.

The inaugural flight, operated by Iberojet’s Airbus 330-900 NEO, took off from Ben Gurion Airport heading for John F. Kennedy International Airport after a festive ceremony.

This milestone comes as Israel’s aviation sector experiences significant recovery. United Airlines is scheduled to resume its flights to Israel next month, with Delta Airlines following suit in April, both of which had suspended operations due to 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 shared before the flight. “We are considering expanding operations in response to growing demand. Our commitment is to provide high-quality service to our customers.”

Arkia’s entrance into the New York market started as a collaborative effort with TechAir, an Israeli tech hub, aimed at tackling the critical shortage of flights between Israel and the United States. Initially priced at $1,199 per ticket, the initiative has since evolved into a fully Arkia-operated service.

This new route will offer three weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Arkia’s staff will be onboard a plane with a spacious economy-class layout, complete with personal entertainment systems and two full kosher meals provided for passengers during the flight.

The event at Ben Gurion Airport saw the participation of prominent figures, such as 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, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority; Brig. Gen. (res.) Shmuel Zakay, director of the Civil Aviation Authority; and key representatives from Israel’s aviation industry. “Today is a defining moment in Arkia’s history,” said Berlowitz. “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.” He also highlighted how the past year and a half has emphasized the crucial role of Israeli airlines. “While many foreign airlines reduced or halted operations, Arkia and other Israeli carriers once again proved how vital they are to Israel.”

Sharon Kedmi, CEO of the Israel Airports Authority, commended Arkia’s bold step into the competitive New York market. “This is a bold and, some might say, risky move. But without such steps, we wouldn’t be where we are today. One flight is nice, but success is establishing a consistent route,” he remarked. “The strategic significance is not just Arkia’s growth but strengthening the entire aviation sector. Arkia was a key partner during the difficult times Israel’s aviation industry has faced over the past year and a half. I hope we will see more airlines joining this effort.”

{Matzav.com}