Flights to Israel Resume as United Airlines Restarts Service in March

United Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will resume flights to Israel on March 15, making it the first U.S. airline to restore service to Tel Aviv following disruptions caused by the Israel-Hamas war.

The Chicago-based airline will initially operate nonstop flights from Newark’s Liberty International Airport, with a second daily flight beginning March 29.

The move was welcomed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who had pressed airline executives on the issue following his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

“This important move eases travel difficulties for businesses, the Jewish community, and many others in New Jersey,” Murphy stated. “It will allow families to reunite in time for the Passover holiday.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called United’s decision “great news”, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged American Airlines and other carriers to follow suit.

Prior to the war, United operated more flights to Israel than any other U.S. airline, with 14 weekly flights from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Delta Airlines has also announced it will resume flights to Tel Aviv on April 1, while American Airlines has yet to announce a return date.

United’s return will end El Al’s monopoly on the transatlantic route, which had driven up fares due to increased demand and limited competition.

As Israel’s economy recovers from war-related disruptions, the return of major U.S. airlines signals renewed confidence in travel to the Jewish state.

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