United Airlines plane at Ben Gurion Airport. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK United Airlines restarts Its direct flights from Newark to Tel Aviv earlier than expected with the first flight taking off tonight - set to land at Ben Gurion Airport tomorrow morning. Starting July 22, an additional daily flight will be added to the Israel route - and that's not all.
Yael Barzilay, Country Sales Manager Israel, United Airlines, tells PassportNews exclusively that "The renewal of the service between Tel Aviv and New York-Newark aligns with United's longstanding commitment to serving Tel Aviv. Throughout 2025, we flew to Tel Aviv more than any other American airline."
Yael Barzilay Country Sales Manager Israel, United Airline Photo: PRIn an exclusive interview with PassportNews, just before taking off to Israel again, we heard about the initiative and what's yet to come.
Before the conflict, you operated additional routes to the U.S. Do you have any plans to bring them back?
"We are continuing to evaluate enhancing the route to New York, and we are considering the possibility of restoring additional routes between Tel Aviv and the United States, including through our partner airlines, such as Lufthansa Group."
The demand for direct flights from Israel to New York exceeds the seating capacity. Do you see similar demand in both directions?
"Customer demand continues to be in line with expectations"
The route's return is, as stated, earlier than planned, after the company suspended it due to the security situation in Israel and airspace closure. United will operate its advanced Boeing 787-10 on the Tel Aviv-New York route, and currently, it's the only airline flying to Israel with this sub-model.
"United’s B787-10 Dreamliner aircraft features a total of 318 seats – 44 flat-bed seats in United PolarisSM business class, 21 United Premium PlusSM and 253 in economy, including 54 Economy PlusSM seats with added legroom and increased personal space."
Polaris. United Airlines. Photo: UnitedWhat else can you tell us about the advanced aircraft?
"The revolutionary design of the Dreamliner offers our customers many features for increased comfort such as large windows, spacious overhead storage and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the trans-Atlantic flight. In addition, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and smoother ride help customers feel rested on arrival."
United's Polaris class has become renowned in recent years. "The Polaris business class is a travel experience featuring high-quality meals, products and services from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue, and fully flatbed seats with access to all aisles."
And what about the premium classes?
"United Premium Plus" class features a roomy seat with more leg and elbow space that can recline much further compared to a regular Economy Plus or economy seat. Passengers also receive an amenities kit, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket, and a soft pillow."
Despite this, most passengers eventually are familiar only with Economy or Economy Plus class.
"United Economy Plus offers additional legroom and expanded personal space. The seats, located at the front of the economy cabin, give the added advantage of quicker exit from the plane upon arrival. Economy Plus seats are available on all transatlantic flights. United Economy offers meals, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee, and free entertainment. In most aircraft, seats include an adjustable headrest and personal on-demand entertainment system."
In Israel, United Airlines will enhance the number of direct flights to the United States, alongside El Al and Arkia. Meanwhile, Delta has yet to announce a renewal of the route, which is currently suspended until August 31. It is worth remembering that Israir announced that it will begin operating direct flights to New York next year after receiving the license last week.
And we can only add: WELCOME BACK, and hope that Delta Air lines and, of course, American Airlines, which stopped its flights to Israel on October 7, 2023, will follow its lead.