Tel Aviv, Israel (May 27, 2026) — Israir is advancing a major long-haul expansion plan that would bring the carrier into the Tel Aviv–New York market with its own wide-body aircraft, marking a significant shift for the Israeli airline.

The company is finalizing an estimated $85 million deal for two Airbus A330 aircraft, a move designed to support nonstop transatlantic service from Ben Gurion Airport to New York. The airline is preparing to use a dry-lease structure, meaning the planes would be operated by Israir’s own Israeli flight crews and supported by its maintenance teams, rather than relying on a foreign operator to manage the service.

The planned fleet addition would allow Israir to move beyond its traditional short- and medium-haul network and compete directly on one of Israel’s most important international routes. The airline has been preparing for the launch of New York service, with recent operational steps indicating that the first flights could begin during the summer travel season, subject to final approvals and aircraft readiness.

Demand for nonstop flights between Israel and the United States remains high, especially as available seats have fluctuated due to changing schedules among international carriers. Israir’s entry would add another Israeli carrier to the route and could help ease pressure on passengers seeking direct service during a period of limited capacity.

The Airbus A330, a wide-body aircraft commonly used for long-haul routes, would give Israir the range and passenger capacity needed for regular service across the Atlantic. The investment also signals the airline’s broader ambition to build a more independent long-distance operation, rather than relying primarily on regional routes and charter-style flying.

If implemented as planned, the Tel Aviv–New York route would place Israir in direct competition with established players serving the corridor and could reshape pricing and availability for travelers heading between Israel and the New York area.

The expansion comes as Israeli airlines continue adapting to a volatile aviation environment, with strong passenger demand, shifting foreign airline schedules, and a renewed focus on securing dependable direct routes from Israel to key global destinations.