A stronger wave of international air connectivity is taking shape between North America and Israel, with major U.S. and Canadian airlines preparing to restore and expand nonstop services to Tel Aviv. The return of these critical routes is opening more direct travel opportunities from some of North America’s biggest aviation hubs while offering a fresh sign of momentum for Israel’s tourism industry.
Beginning in September 2026 and continuing into early 2027, a series of planned service resumptions and new connections will link Tel Aviv with major gateways including New York, Newark, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington and Toronto. The expanding network is expected to give travelers greater choice and flexibility while improving direct access to Israel’s cultural, historical, religious and leisure destinations.
A powerful return of nonstop U.S. connections
The first major boost will come from Delta Air Lines, which is scheduled to resume daily nonstop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on September 6. The return of the route will restore an important direct connection between one of the United States’ largest travel markets and Israel’s primary international gateway.
United Airlines will follow on September 8, with twice-daily nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tel Aviv. The combined return of Delta and United will significantly strengthen direct connectivity from the New York metropolitan area, giving travelers more options when planning journeys to Israel.
The expansion will continue into the winter season. Delta plans to resume its Atlanta-Tel Aviv service on December 19, while United is scheduled to restore service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). American Airlines is also planning to return to the New York-Tel Aviv market from JFK in March 2027, adding another major U.S. carrier to the growing network.
EL AL expands from the West Coast as Canada reconnects
Israel’s national carrier, EL AL Israel Airlines, is strengthening the country’s reach across the United States with nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Tel Aviv beginning October 25. The connection will provide travelers from Northern California and the broader West Coast with a direct gateway to Israel, strengthening links with a region known for its strong business, technology and international travel markets.
North American connectivity will also extend into Canada. Air Canada plans to reinstate Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)-Tel Aviv service four times weekly beginning January 17, 2027. The planned return will restore a key direct connection between Israel and Canada’s largest international aviation hub, giving Canadian travelers another convenient way to reach the destination.
Meanwhile, Israeli low-cost carrier Israir is preparing to enter the U.S. market, with planned service from New York beginning October 19. The airline’s entry would introduce another option for travelers while adding further competition to the growing North American-Israel aviation market.
More flights could translate into stronger tourism flows
The expanding air network arrives at a crucial moment for Israel’s tourism sector. For international destinations, the availability of convenient nonstop flights can play a major role in travel decisions, and the restoration of direct services can make journeys easier, faster and more attractive to potential visitors.
The impact could extend well beyond traditional leisure tourism. Greater connectivity can support religious travel, business trips, family visits and cultural tourism, while creating opportunities for hotels, tour operators, attractions, restaurants and transportation providers to benefit from an increase in international visitors.
For travelers, the return of multiple airlines also means greater flexibility in choosing departure points, schedules and carriers. With direct services gradually returning from several major metropolitan areas, visitors across the United States and Canada will have broader access to Tel Aviv without relying exclusively on connecting flights through other international hubs.
A renewed aviation network puts Israel back on the North American map
The growing number of planned routes represents more than an expansion of airline schedules it marks an important step in rebuilding Israel’s tourism connectivity with two major international source markets. From the September return of Delta and United services to the planned restoration of Canadian and additional U.S. routes in 2027, the network is steadily becoming broader and more accessible.
Yoram Elgrabli, Tourism Commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, welcomed the return of nonstop services and the development of new connections, emphasizing that improved access gives travelers greater choice and flexibility while supporting renewed tourism momentum.
If the planned services proceed as scheduled, the coming months will give travelers across North America substantially more direct ways to reach Israel. For the tourism industry, the expanding network could provide a much-needed boost in visitor accessibility, strengthen international market connections and help position Israel for renewed growth in North American travel demand.
