A wave of new and restored flight routes is expanding access to Israel, as airlines respond to a growing demand for travel from North America and Asia. Major carriers including Air Canada, EL AL, and United Airlines have announced schedules that will increase connectivity between 2026 and 2027.

How is air connectivity changing?

Travelers from the United States and Canada will see a significant increase in nonstop options. While some services are launching immediately, others are scheduled for the coming year. Key developments include:

  • Air Canada moved its Toronto launch forward to November 30, 2026, offering four weekly flights.
  • EL AL Israel Airlines is starting nonstop service from San Francisco on October 25, 2026.
  • United Airlines will begin three-weekly service from San Francisco on March 28, 2027.
  • Israir recently launched service from New York's JFK and plans to expand to Miami.
  • EL AL will also introduce a new direct route from Incheon to Tel Aviv in March 2027, operating three times per week.

Why are these routes expanding?

This surge in capacity follows a notable rise in international arrivals. Between July and September, Israel saw 154,200 visitors from North America, an increase of 8.59 percent compared to the previous year. In South Korea, visitor numbers rose 52.5 percent between January and September 2026 compared to the same period last year.

Yoram Elgrabli, the Tourism Commissioner for North America, stated that the new routes reflect "growing momentum in travel to Israel and renewed demand from North American visitors." This growth is being supported by a pipeline of new hospitality projects, including several hotel openings planned through 2029.

What should travelers expect?

While more flights are becoming available, travelers should be aware of pricing fluctuations. Although supply is increasing, ticket costs have remained high due to strong demand, particularly during holiday periods. Experts suggest that more competitive pricing may become more common by early 2027.

FAQ

When will the new San Francisco routes begin?

EL AL begins its nonstop service from San Francisco on October 25, 2026, while United Airlines is scheduled to start its service on March 28, 2027.

Is travel to Israel becoming more accessible from Canada?

Yes, Air Canada has accelerated its Toronto-to-Israel service, now starting on November 30, 2026, with four flights per week.