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Edited by: TJVNews.com
United Airlines has made a significant announcement regarding the resumption of its Tel Aviv-New York flights, marking a pivotal moment in transatlantic travel. A recently published report on Ynetnews.com said that with operations set to commence from March 2, United becomes the first U.S. airline to reconnect with Israel since the outbreak of recent conflicts, ending a period where El Al stood as the sole operator on this crucial route to America.
The initial flights scheduled for March 2 and 4 will include a stopover in Munich, a strategic move aimed at ensuring seamless service provision to and from New York, according to the Ynet report. Notably, there will be a temporary halt in flights departing from New York to Tel Aviv on March 3 and 5, with United aiming to restore daily service to Tel Aviv starting March 6.
Prior to the announcement, United Airlines conducted a comprehensive safety assessment in collaboration with security experts and government officials from both the U.S. and Israel. This involved meticulous planning and coordination, alongside close cooperation with air and flight attendant unions to develop robust safety protocols, according to the information provided in the report on Ynetnews.com. United remains vigilant, committed to monitoring the situation closely and adapting its schedule as necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
Looking ahead, United Airlines plans to introduce a second daily flight to Tel Aviv from Newark in May, anticipating a surge in travel demand. Moreover, the Ynetnews.com report said that the airline will evaluate the resumption of flights from additional key U.S. hubs such as San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare starting in the fall, further expanding connectivity between the U.S. and Israel.
The return of United Airlines is warmly welcomed by Israeli travelers, particularly considering the significant difference in ticket prices compared to El Al. Ynetnews.com reported that an investigative study revealed substantial savings for passengers opting for United, with differences ranging from $442 to $656 for round-trip tickets on various dates in April. This pricing disparity underscores the competitive edge that United Airlines brings to the market, offering affordable options without compromising on quality or safety.
However, it’s important to note that while El Al currently offers flexible cancellation options, United passengers would need to pay an additional fee for similar flexibility, as is common practice across most airlines, as was noted in the Ynetnews.com report.
United’s move to resume flights to Israel also sets the stage for increased competition in the market. Delta Airlines, the second-largest U.S. airline, is also gearing up to resume its service to Israel, with plans to commence flights in early May, according to the Ynetnews.com report. Likewise, Air Canada has informed the Israel Airports Authority of its intention to renew flights on the Tel Aviv-Toronto route from April onwards.
While these airlines have yet to make official announcements regarding their return to Israel, preparations are underway to facilitate a smooth transition back into operation. However, the volatile nature of the geopolitical landscape, particularly the potential for escalation in the region, adds an element of uncertainty to these plans, as highlighted by a senior figure in the aviation industry, the Ynet report added.
Nevertheless, the return of U.S. airlines to Israel is poised to bring about positive changes, including potential reductions in flight prices driven by increased competition on these routes. As the aviation industry adapts to evolving circumstances, passengers can look forward to enhanced connectivity and more options for travel between the U.S. and Israel, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
