NEW YORK- Ticket prices for flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York remain high despite the return of US airlines to Israel. Passengers can expect to pay at least $1,200 for a round-trip ticket, with fares often reaching $1,500 to $2,000 or more.
Hopes for lower airfares were sparked by the resumption of US carriers and Arkia’s (IZ) entry into the direct flight market. However, supply remains constrained, preventing prices from returning to pre-war levels.
Photo: By ronen fefer – https://www.flickr.com/photos/186012304@N06/51342633816/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112786021Tel Aviv to New York High Prices
Since the onset of the war, ticket prices for direct flights between Israel and the US have surged.
The temporary exit of US airlines left El Al (LY) as the sole carrier operating direct flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and New York.
Passengers seeking alternatives had to rely on connecting flights, though availability remained scarce due to reduced operations by European airlines.
While US airlines are gradually resuming services, ticket prices have not significantly dropped.
Ophir Tours reports that fares will stay at a minimum of $1,200, with the majority of tickets priced between $1,500 and $2,000.
During Passover, Delta Airlines is offering the cheapest return tickets for direct flights at $1,600, while El Al economy class fares start at $2,300 due to high demand.
Photo credit: Joe PriesThree additional airlines, United (UA), Delta (DL), and Arkia (IZ) are now operating flights between Tel Aviv and New York.
However, this does not represent a net increase in capacity, as American Airlines (AA) has yet to announce its return to Israel.
Arkia recently launched three weekly flights on this route, but its limited frequency and lack of codeshare agreements with other airlines make it a less attractive option for frequent travelers.
Despite the partial return of US carriers, the number of available flights remains insufficient to lower fares.
Until airlines resume full-scale operations, ticket prices are unlikely to return to previous levels.
Photo: Clément AlloingExternal Factors Driving Up Airfares
Global aviation challenges are also influencing airfare trends. A worldwide shortage of aircraft spare parts and manufacturing delays have increased airline operational costs, leading to higher fares.
This trend is not unique to Israel; transatlantic flight prices are rising worldwide.
Additionally, Israel may experience “revenge buying”, a surge in travel demand similar to what occurred after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Many travelers who have postponed trips are now willing to pay premium prices, allowing airlines to maintain high fares without fear of reduced demand.
Photo: Clément AlloingAlternatives for Cost-Conscious Travelers
Passengers seeking lower fares can find cheaper options on connecting flights. Some airlines offer round-trip tickets under $1,000, with stopovers in major European hubs. Examples include:
- Emirates (EK) (via Athens, with a codeshare agreement with Aegean Airlines (A3))
- LOT Polish Airlines (LO) (via Warsaw)
- British Airways (BA) (via London)
Layovers on these routes range from a few hours to overnight stays. While these options require longer travel times, they present viable alternatives for budget-conscious travelers.
Towards the end of the year, after the peak summer season and holidays, fares are expected to decline, following the usual annual trend.
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Israir Eyes Tel Aviv to New York Flight, Challenging EL AL Israel
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