Photo: AMERICAN AIRLINES In recent months, more airlines have resumed operations in Israel due to a slight improvement in security in the Middle East. In March, several more will return, the most significant of which is American Airlines. The world's largest airline will resume operating the New York-Tel Aviv route after more than two years of non-operation due to the war.
In preparation for the welcome return, PassportNews brings you an exclusive interview with Simon Hawkins, the company's Managing Director, International Sales.
What were the key factors that led American Airlines to officially resume flights to Tel Aviv in March?
"At American, we are constantly reviewing our network in response to changing customer needs and wants. Israel is an important market for us, and we’re excited to return flying to Tel Aviv starting March 24. The flight will operate daily on our Boeing 777-200ER."
Simon Hawkins, American Airlines' Managing Director, International Sales. Photo: AMERICAN AIRLINESTell us a little about the demand for flights, both in the leisure and business markets.
"We are seeing encouraging demand across both leisure and corporate segments. Historically, there has always been a significant commercial tie between Israel and North America, and we look forward to helping connect business travelers with the resumption of our nonstop flights."
As competition across the transatlantic market intensifies, what differentiates American Airlines’ product and customer experience for passengers connecting through the US?
"American offers extensive one-stop access from Tel Aviv to destinations across North America through our hubs, such as Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago (ORD), and also connectivity via our partner hubs of our Atlantic Joint Business with British Airways in London (LHR) and Iberia in Madrid (MAD).
Over the last 18 months, American has redefined its product offering to lead the premium market, which includes experiences both in the air and on the ground. Last year, we launched our brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which passengers can fly between multiple U.S. hubs and international destinations across Europe, South America and Asia Pacific. More recently, we launched our new Airbus A321XLR which flies both transcontinental and transatlantic routes. We offer a modern fleet, high-speed Wi-Fi, and world-class inflight dining offerings across our new aircraft as we continue expanding our premium reach to more customers.
On the ground, we have also redefined luxury with several lounge launches, with more in the pipeline, and in JFK, we offer three luxury lounges."
Premium Economy. Photo by: American Airlines American Airlines is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Can we say that returning to Tel Aviv is also part of the celebration?
"Our return to Israel reflects the core of our centennial year mindset. It reflects a commitment to elevating the customer experience, signifies connecting people safely and with care, and recognizing that every flight is more than a journey."
Photo: AMERICAN AIRLINESLooking ahead, what are American Airlines' priorities in expanding its international network?
"We are constantly looking at ways to develop and strengthen our network based on customer demand, and where we can, work closely with our partners. With the addition of the Airbus A321XLR to our fleet, we will see even further opportunity to grow, with the aircraft flying a new route between Edinburgh (EDI) and JFK from March."
A321XL aircraft. Photo: American AirlinesHow do airline partnerships and alliances help Israeli passengers?
"Through our Atlantic Joint Business) and the oneworld alliance, we can offer customers greater connectivity, aligned schedules and a more seamless experience when flying. For Israel, this means stronger access across Europe and North America and closer collaboration with our partners British Airways and Iberia to support consistent, reliable service."
Business Class. Photo by: American Airlines The world's largest airlines are investing enormous resources these days in becoming "greener," meaning more environmentally friendly. American is also doing quite a bit in this area.
Do environmental considerations influence decision-making in society?
"Sustainability sits at the core of everything we do. We’ve undertaken a historic fleet renewal program, bought sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), pioneered a way for our corporate customers to help us buy SAF, and built in-house new ways of operating on the ramp to reduce taxi time and save fuel."
Finally, would you like to say something to Israeli travelers, travel agents, and business partners?
"Israel is an important market for American Airlines and our return to Tel Aviv reflects a clear, long-term commitment — not a short-term decision. We have listened closely to our customers and partners, and we know how meaningful this route is for both leisure and corporate travel.
We look forward to working and growing together in the Israeli market and hope that together we can provide an unforgettable experience for those flying with us."
Photo: AMERICAN AIRLINESAmerican Airlines is expected to resume the New York-Tel Aviv route with a daily flight starting March 24, 2026.