New Competition for El Al: Arkia and Tech Air Launch Flights to New York

Israel’s national carrier, El Al Airlines, is finally getting some domestic competition for its Tel Aviv-New York route.

Arkia Israel Airlines has joined with Tech-Air to launch its own Tel Aviv – New York City flights next month, using Airbus NEO 330-900 aircraft operated by Iberojet, a Spanish-Portuguese firm.

There will be flights to and from New York three times a week. Flights to New York will depart at 11:30 pm on Saturday nights, and midday Mondays and Wednesdays. Flights from New York to Tel Aviv will depart on Sundays and Tuesdays at 3 pm and Thursdays at 4 pm, Globes reported.

Round-trip fares begin at $1,199, including meals, taxes and one checked bag weighing a maximum of 20 kilograms.

For comparison, the same round-trip fare on El Al (economy) begins at close to $1,500, but with a baggage allowance of 23 kilograms.

However, it is important to note that when JewishPress.com went to El Al’s website, no economy seats were available through February, and fares for premium and business class were beyond sky-high.

United Airlines, Delta and American Airlines are still avoiding travel to the State of Israel, claiming the current war with Hamas still presents a security risk.