Delta Joins United, American, Wizz Air, and Israir Launch New Flights to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in 2026: What This Means for Global Travel!

Published on December 27, 2025

In 2026, Israel is set to see a significant expansion in its international air travel services, with a wide range of new flights to and from Jerusalem. While Jerusalem itself does not have its own international airport, most flights to the city operate through Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), which is located near Tel Aviv. These new and expanded flight routes are poised to strengthen Israel’s position as a global tourism and business hub, further enhancing its accessibility to travelers worldwide. From new connections with Asia to increased services to the United States, 2026 will be a year of major growth for Israeli aviation.

A New Era for Israel-India Connections

One of the most anticipated developments in 2026 is the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and New Delhi. Starting on January 1, 2026, Air India will resume flights between the two cities, providing a direct connection between India and Israel. This new route will serve both business and tourism interests, opening up greater opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and tourism. The addition of these direct flights will make it more convenient for travelers from India to visit Israel, particularly for those interested in exploring the historical and cultural significance of Jerusalem.

The resumption of this route highlights the growing importance of India as an emerging market for Israeli tourism and vice versa. With both countries having strong historical and cultural ties, the direct flights will further deepen these relationships and attract more Indian tourists to explore Israel’s rich heritage, including Jerusalem’s religious landmarks and Holy sites.

Israir Expands into Asia and India

In addition to Air India’s new route, Israir, one of Israel’s prominent airlines, will be expanding its network to several Asian destinations. Starting during Passover 2026, Israir will introduce new international routes connecting Tel Aviv to Tokyo, Hanoi, Delhi, Mumbai, Phuket, and Bangkok. This expansion into Asia underscores Israel’s growing interest in attracting tourists from the East. As part of a broader trend to boost tourism to Jerusalem and other key sites, these new flights will open new gateways for travelers seeking to explore the history, culture, and spirituality of Israel.

For many travelers from Asia, these direct flights will offer an accessible way to visit Israel without having to deal with long layovers or connecting flights. The airline’s decision to introduce these routes reflects the rising demand for Asian travel to Israel, driven by both business and leisure tourism. The expansion of Israir’s network will not only increase accessibility to Jerusalem but also support Israel’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings by welcoming more international visitors.

Wizz Air Launches New Route from Tel Aviv to Budapest

Wizz Air, a leading European low-cost airline, will also be entering the Israeli market with the launch of a new direct route between Tel Aviv and Budapest. This service, set to begin in March 2026, marks the airline’s first-ever flight from Israel to Budapest. The new route will provide travelers with a more affordable and convenient way to travel between Israel and Hungary, which will be a welcome addition for tourists looking to explore the Eastern European region.

For those heading to Jerusalem, the new Budapest-Tel Aviv connection will further enhance Israel’s appeal as a tourism destination, offering travelers easier access from Hungary and other parts of Europe. With Wizz Air focusing on providing budget-friendly options, this route will likely attract young travelers, families, and backpackers who want to visit Jerusalem and other parts of Israel while keeping travel costs low.

Delta Air Lines Expands U.S.-Israel Connectivity

For travelers from the United States, Delta Air Lines is set to launch new transatlantic flights from Tel Aviv to both Atlanta and Boston in 2026. These new routes will further bolster the U.S.-Israel connection, providing more options for travelers flying to Israel from major U.S. cities. The addition of Atlanta and Boston to the Delta network is part of the airline’s broader strategy to increase transatlantic connectivity and strengthen its presence in the Middle East.

The new flights will provide U.S. tourists with more options for flying into Israel, making it easier for them to visit Jerusalem and other iconic locations across the country. The added U.S.-Israel connectivity will benefit both leisure travelers looking to explore the rich history and culture of Jerusalem, as well as business travelers with interests in Israel’s thriving tech and innovation sectors.

United Airlines to Increase Tel Aviv Flights

Along with Delta, United Airlines is also increasing its service to Tel Aviv in Spring 2026. United’s expanded U.S.-Israel flights will offer travelers more flexibility and ease when flying from the United States to Israel, making Jerusalem more accessible than ever. With these increased services, United Airlines continues to solidify its position as a key player in transatlantic travel, connecting passengers between Israel and major American cities.

The increased frequency of flights from United Airlines reflects the strong demand for travel to Israel, driven by a combination of tourism and business interests. As more American travelers look to visit Jerusalem, these expanded flight services will ensure that Tel Aviv remains a central hub for connecting the U.S. with the rest of the Middle East.

American Airlines Relaunches Direct Flight to Tel Aviv

American Airlines will also reintroduce its direct flight route from New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv starting March 28, 2026. This service, which was paused for several years, will once again provide a direct connection between New York and Israel, catering to both the growing Jewish-American community and a broader audience interested in visiting Jerusalem. The re-launch of this flight marks another significant step in strengthening the bond between the United States and Israel, while making it more convenient for tourists to explore Jerusalem and other important Israeli landmarks.

Jerusalem’s Role in Israel’s Growing Tourism Sector

With all of these new flight routes launching in 2026, Jerusalem is set to benefit significantly. As one of the world’s most spiritually and historically significant cities, Jerusalem will see a surge in tourism, driven by easier access for travelers from around the globe. These new direct flights will not only make it easier for people to visit Jerusalem but will also contribute to Israel’s broader goal of boosting its tourism sector and improving global connectivity.

Israel’s focus on expanding international air travel will have lasting benefits for Jerusalem’s economy and its cultural and spiritual importance. As more international flights become available, more people will have the opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and spirituality of Jerusalem, contributing to the city’s continued prominence on the world stage.