Tel Aviv and San Francisco Reconnect as El Al Expands US Network With New Nonstop Flights to California

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 28, 2026 21:31 GMT+5:30

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Tel Aviv and San Francisco are set to reconnect through a new nonstop route as El Al Israel Airlines expands its North American network with the return of direct flights to California’s Bay Area. The service, scheduled to begin on 25 October 2026, marks the first time since 2020 that the Israeli flag carrier will operate nonstop flights between the two cities.

The route represents a significant expansion of El Al’s United States network and strengthens connectivity between Israel and one of America’s most influential economic and technology centres. Operating three times per week with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the service is expected to support tourism, business travel and family connections while providing travellers with direct access between two globally connected destinations.

For passengers on both sides of the Pacific, the launch creates a new travel option linking Silicon Valley, the Bay Area and Israel’s largest metropolitan region.

San Francisco Returns to El Al’s Route Network

The restoration of San Francisco service marks an important milestone for El Al’s international expansion strategy.

The airline last served the Bay Area in 2020, and the return of the route reflects renewed confidence in demand between Northern California and Israel. San Francisco becomes the sixth US destination in El Al’s network, joining New York John F. Kennedy, Newark, Miami, Boston and Los Angeles.

The addition strengthens the airline’s position in one of its most important international markets and expands travel options for passengers seeking direct trans-Pacific connectivity.

For travellers, the route eliminates the need for connecting flights through other North American gateways, reducing travel times and improving convenience.

The return also highlights the strategic importance of the Bay Area within El Al’s long-haul network.

San Francisco Continues to Attract International Visitors

San Francisco remains one of the United States’ most visited cities.

The destination attracts travellers through its iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, culinary experiences and position as a gateway to Northern California. Visitors often combine trips to San Francisco with visits to destinations such as Napa Valley, Silicon Valley, Monterey and Yosemite National Park.

The city also serves as one of the world’s leading centres for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, generating substantial business travel demand throughout the year.

Improved connectivity from Tel Aviv enhances accessibility while creating new opportunities for tourism growth between Israel and the western United States.

The route is expected to support both leisure and corporate travel segments.

Tel Aviv Reinforces Its Global Connectivity

The new service further strengthens Tel Aviv’s role as Israel’s primary international gateway.

The city remains the country’s largest metropolitan area and a major centre for tourism, technology, finance and international business. Direct long-haul connectivity plays a critical role in supporting Israel’s tourism sector and maintaining links with global markets.

The addition of San Francisco expands travel options for passengers departing Israel while providing stronger access to California and the broader western United States.

For international visitors, the route offers a convenient entry point into Israel and the wider Middle East region.

Enhanced connectivity remains a key driver of tourism and economic activity.

Boeing 787-9 Aircraft Support Long-Haul Growth

El Al will operate the route using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

The aircraft forms an important part of the airline’s modern long-haul fleet and is widely used on intercontinental routes connecting Israel with North America, Europe and Asia.

Its range and passenger capacity make it particularly suitable for long-distance services such as Tel Aviv-San Francisco.

The deployment of the Boeing 787-9 reflects the strategic importance of the route and the anticipated demand from both leisure and business travellers.

Modern aircraft also contribute to improved passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Three Weekly Flights Begin in October

The service will operate three times per week from its launch on 25 October.

Flights are scheduled on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing travellers with multiple options throughout the week.

The frequency is designed to balance demand while offering flexibility for a range of travel purposes, including tourism, business meetings and family visits.

Regular service also improves accessibility and helps support sustained passenger traffic between the two markets.

As travel demand evolves, the route could become an important component of El Al’s broader North American operations.

Business Travel Plays a Major Role

While tourism remains a key driver, business travel is expected to be a significant contributor to route demand.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of technology companies, venture capital firms and innovation-focused businesses. Israel, meanwhile, has developed a global reputation as a major centre for technology and start-up activity.

The strong commercial relationship between the two regions generates substantial travel demand from executives, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Direct air services help facilitate these connections by reducing travel times and improving accessibility.

The route therefore serves both economic and tourism objectives.

Large Israeli Community Supports Demand

Another important factor behind the launch is the sizeable Israeli community living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Family visits, cultural connections and community ties continue generating significant travel demand between Northern California and Israel. Direct flights offer a more convenient travel option for passengers visiting relatives, attending events or maintaining personal connections.

Such traffic often complements tourism and business travel, helping support route sustainability throughout the year.

The combination of leisure, business and community demand creates a strong foundation for the new service.

These diverse passenger segments are expected to contribute to the route’s long-term success.

North America Remains a Strategic Market for El Al

The launch underlines the importance of North America within El Al’s international network.

The United States continues to represent one of the airline’s largest and most valuable markets, supporting significant passenger volumes across multiple destinations. Expanding service to San Francisco strengthens network coverage while enhancing connectivity across the country.

As travel demand continues recovering and evolving, airlines are increasingly investing in routes that combine strong tourism, business and diaspora travel demand.

The Bay Area service fits squarely within this strategy.

Key Stats, Timelines and Events

• El Al will launch nonstop Tel Aviv-San Francisco flights on 25 October 2026.
• The route will operate three times weekly.
• Flights are scheduled on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Boeing 787-9 aircraft will serve the route.
• San Francisco becomes El Al’s sixth US destination.
• The airline last operated the route in 2020.

Chronological Tracker

Service Restoration Announced
El Al confirms the return of San Francisco flights.

Network Expansion Planned
The carrier strengthens its North American presence.

25 October 2026
Nonstop Tel Aviv-San Francisco service begins.

Business and Tourism Connectivity Increase
Travel links between Israel and Northern California expand.

US Network Grows
San Francisco joins five existing American destinations.

Important Dates

• 2020: El Al last operated Tel Aviv-San Francisco flights.
• 25 October 2026: Service resumes with three weekly flights.

FAQ

When will El Al restart flights to San Francisco?

The route will relaunch on 25 October 2026.

How often will the service operate?

Flights will operate three times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Which aircraft will be used?

El Al will deploy Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route.

Conclusion

Tel Aviv and San Francisco are reconnecting through El Al Israel Airlines’ new nonstop service, restoring a direct link that has been absent since 2020. Launching on 25 October 2026, the three-times-weekly route strengthens tourism, business and community ties between Israel and California’s Bay Area while expanding El Al’s US network to six destinations. Supported by Boeing 787-9 aircraft and driven by demand from both the technology sector and the large Israeli community in Northern California, the service enhances international connectivity and reinforces the growing importance of direct long-haul travel between the two regions.