Delta Joins United, American and Others in Tel Aviv Flight Revival: A New Travel Era

(TEL AVIV) Delta Air Lines resumed daily nonstop service on the JFK–TLV route on September 1, 2025, marking a New Tel Aviv Flight Comeback that adds fresh capacity in a market reshaped by nearly two years of security-driven disruptions. The restart places Delta alongside United, American, Air Canada, Arkia, KLM, and Lufthansa, which have been steadily restoring Israel service after cycles of suspension and limited resumptions since late 2023.

Delta’s return follows a comprehensive security review with government and private partners and comes as airlines balance strong demand with an environment that can still change quickly.

Flight details and equipment

Delta launched the comeback with an Airbus A330-900neo offering four cabins: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. The schedule is designed to capture both business and family traffic in each direction.

• Flight DL234: Departs JFK at 3:45 PM, arrives TLV at 9:35 AM (next day).
• Flight DL235: Departs TLV at 11:50 AM, arrives JFK at 5:05 PM.

Delta plans a second daily frequency between November 30, 2025, and January 19, 2026, to handle peak winter travel.

United regained a foothold earlier, restoring Newark–Tel Aviv flights on July 21, 2025, giving it a six-week lead. American, Air Canada, Arkia, KLM, and Lufthansa are at various stages of rebuilding schedules, signaling a broader industry shift toward normalized operations.

Safety and operational posture

Delta emphasized that safety decisions drive every schedule move:

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew,” the airline said, noting it continues to assess operations based on security guidance and intelligence.

That flexible posture has shaped the stop-and-start pattern since October 2023, when most international carriers paused Israel flights after the Israel–Hamas conflict escalated. Delta most recently suspended JFK–TLV on June 12, 2025, and its return after nearly three months underscores how airlines now make cautious bets, ready to pivot if conditions warrant.

Practical effects for travelers

Israel began requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all visitors from visa-exempt countries as of January 1, 2025. This includes nationals from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and many EU states.

• Passengers who previously boarded with only a passport now need advance digital approval.
• Airlines have tightened security protocols in coordination with U.S. and Israeli authorities, which can affect:
  • Check-in times
  • Screening steps
  • Document checks at the gate

These added steps require more lead time and careful planning for families visiting relatives, students returning to class, or business travelers.

Rebooking and waivers

Delta extended support to customers whose trips fell within the most recent suspension window:

• Waiver allows rebooking for affected travel between June 12 and August 31, 2025, and for specific dates in November.
• Change fees waived; in many cases fare differences waived if rebooked by November 15, 2025.
• After November 15, 2025, fare differences may apply, but change fees remain waived.

This policy offers breathing room for travelers who have had to reschedule multiple times.

What the restart means for travelers

• Booking: Seats on the daily JFK–TLV service are available through Delta and partners like Air France and KLM. The added winter frequency (Nov 30, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026) expands options during school holidays and year-end travel.
• Travel authorization: As of January 1, 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries must secure Israel’s ETA before departure. Plan extra time to apply and receive approval.
• Security and timing: Expect enhanced preflight screening and document checks. Arrive earlier than usual and keep digital and paper copies of your ETA approval and itinerary.
• Rebooking and waivers: If travel was disrupted during the June–August suspension or targeted November dates, use Delta’s waiver to change plans with reduced cost impact. Rebooking in the same cabin by November 15, 2025 can often avoid fare differences.

Families and medical travelers benefit most from dependable nonstop links. Examples:

• An elderly parent in Tel Aviv needing treatment in New York can use the same-day JFK–TLV schedule to shorten total travel time.
• Small businesses can restart stalled shipments thanks to reliable belly cargo on passenger flights, especially for high-value tech components.

Competitive stakes and capacity outlook

United’s six-week head start gave it a first-mover advantage on the corridor and helped fill planes with pent-up demand. Delta’s return pushes the market toward a more balanced contest at New York–area airports.

• The planned second daily Delta flight during peak winter signals confidence that the route can support two daily roundtrips for several weeks.
• Other carriers rebuilding schedules (American, Air Canada, Arkia, KLM, Lufthansa) add one-stop options that ease pressure on direct flights.

Even with added seats, fares may remain elevated if demand outpaces capacity. Travel managers and frequent flyers should:

1. Watch for limited-time fare sales tied to the second daily frequency.
2. Stay flexible about travel dates.
3. Consider premium cabins (Delta One, Premium Select) for business needs.

Official guidance and advisories

Travelers should monitor official advisories because the situation can change rapidly. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Israel maintains a security and travel page with alerts and guidance:

• U.S. Embassy in Israel Security and Travel Information

Airlines coordinate with these channels and may adjust boarding procedures or check-in cutoffs based on updated guidance.

Economic and community implications

The return of broad international service carries wider economic meaning:

• Tourism agencies in Israel argue that reliable air links are central to recovery, especially for small hotels and tour operators.
• U.S. communities tied to Israel through family, education, and faith pushed for more options, citing missed life events and higher costs when seats were scarce.

As carriers rebuild schedules, those pressures ease — though uncertainty remains.

Outlook and final takeaways

Delta’s cautious framing suggests that stability — rather than rapid expansion — will define the next phase. The airline has shown a willingness to pause when necessary and resume when conditions support safe operations. That pattern could continue if security dynamics shift again.

For now, the New Tel Aviv Flight Comeback is tangible:

• Daily JFK–TLV service on a modern widebody
• A published winter frequency boost
• A competitive field including United (Newark) and growing links from American, Air Canada, Arkia, KLM, and Lufthansa

The road back has taken time and may not be a straight line. But with each added flight, the route looks closer to normal—bringing families together, supporting students and business travel, and restoring a crucial bridge between New York and Tel Aviv.