Delta Air Lines has announced the revised date for the resumption of its highly anticipated nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Travelers eager to know When Is Delta Flying To Israel can now mark their calendars for June 7. This updated launch date is slightly later than the initially projected May 1st restart, reflecting the airline’s commitment to safety and thorough risk assessment in the region.
The decision to postpone the resumption by approximately five weeks comes as Delta emphasizes its “extensive security risk assessment” process. The airline stated it is “continuing to closely monitor the situation in Israel,” ensuring passenger safety remains paramount as they reinstate this crucial international route. Like many global carriers, Delta had suspended flights to Tel Aviv in response to the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict in early October 2023.
Currently, United Airlines stands out as the sole U.S. airline already operating flights to Israel. They recommenced daily Newark to Tel Aviv services in early March, citing their own “detailed safety analysis” as the basis for their return. Prior to the conflict escalation, United had a broader Israeli flight network, including services from Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. The timeline for the reinstatement of these additional United routes remains uncertain.
In contrast, American Airlines has adopted a more cautious approach. They have confirmed the suspension of their Tel Aviv operations will extend until at least October 26. This leaves American Airlines as the only major U.S. carrier yet to announce a return to the Israeli market, highlighting the varied strategies among airlines navigating the current geopolitical landscape.
Gordon Smith photo
To mitigate the impact of suspended nonstop flights, Delta has strengthened its partnership with EL AL Israel Airlines. This collaboration introduced a codeshare agreement, enabling Delta passengers to connect to EL AL flights from various U.S. cities, including Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami. This partnership is expected to continue even after Delta resumes its own direct flights to Tel Aviv, offering passengers increased flexibility and options.
Upon its return to Tel Aviv, Delta will deploy one of its newest aircraft on the route: the Airbus A330-900. This advanced jetliner, part of Airbus’s popular A330 family, offers a total capacity of 281 passengers. The cabin configuration is designed to cater to diverse travel preferences, featuring 29 luxurious Delta One Suites, 28 Premium Select seats for enhanced comfort, 56 Delta Comfort+ options, and 168 seats in the Main Cabin. Given the flight duration of approximately 11 hours from New York to Tel Aviv and slightly over 12 hours on the return leg, these premium cabin options are anticipated to be particularly appealing to travelers.
Delta has confirmed that passengers booked on flights prior to June 7 will be informed about the schedule change and provided with alternative travel arrangements. As the aviation industry adapts to evolving global situations, passengers planning travel to Israel are advised to stay updated on the latest flight schedules and airline announcements. For those specifically asking, when is Delta flying to Israel?, the answer is definitively starting June 7, 2024, with daily nonstop service from New York JFK to Tel Aviv.
