United Airlines is set to restore its nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on September 8, bringing back a major transatlantic connection after months of suspension. The return marks an important step in the airline’s planned rebuilding of its Israel network, with two daily Boeing 787-10 flights initially scheduled in each direction.
The route had been suspended since the end of February, when Israeli airspace disruptions led to widespread cancellations and suspensions by international carriers. United’s return therefore restores a significant option for travelers between the New York metropolitan area and Israel. The airline previously operated the route at similar frequencies, making the September restart a return to a familiar schedule rather than a completely new operation.
For passengers planning to fly between the United States and Israel, the renewed service offers a journey of roughly 10 hours and 30 minutes from Newark to Tel Aviv, while the eastbound return takes approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes. The difference reflects prevailing winds and other operational factors that make the westbound journey longer.
United Airlines Newark–Tel Aviv Flight Schedule
United will initially operate four daily flight segments on the route, with two departures from Newark and two from Tel Aviv. The schedule provides both afternoon and late-evening departures from Newark, giving travelers flexibility when choosing how to begin the long-haul journey.
UA84 is scheduled to leave Newark at 3:25 PM and arrive in Tel Aviv at 8:55 AM the following day. UA90 departs Newark at 10:50 PM and reaches Tel Aviv at 4:20 PM the next day. In the opposite direction, UA85 leaves Tel Aviv at 11:00 AM and arrives in Newark at 3:50 PM, while UA91 departs Tel Aviv at 11:25 PM and reaches Newark at 4:15 AM the following morning.
The two daily round trips will initially use the Boeing 787-10, one of United’s largest Dreamliner variants. The aircraft is configured with 318 seats, including 44 Polaris business-class seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, and 253 economy seats. That combination gives United substantial capacity across premium and standard cabins on a route where demand can fluctuate considerably.
Three Daily Flights Begin in November
United’s Tel Aviv operation is scheduled to expand again on November 3, when the airline plans to increase Newark service to as many as three daily flights. Some of these additional rotations will use the Boeing 787-9, providing a different capacity profile while allowing United to increase frequency.
The Boeing 787-9 used by United is configured with 257 seats: 48 in Polaris business class, 21 in Premium Plus, and 188 in economy. Deploying both 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft gives the airline greater flexibility to match aircraft capacity with demand across different departure times.
Chicago and Washington Services Return
The Newark restart is only the first stage of United’s broader Tel Aviv recovery. The airline is also scheduled to restore nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in late October, followed one day later by service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Both routes are expected to use the smaller Boeing 787-8, which can accommodate up to 243 passengers. Its cabin includes 28 Polaris business seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, and 194 economy seats. Together, these routes will give United customers additional nonstop options from major US hubs beyond the New York area.
United’s San Francisco International Airport (SFO) service, however, is scheduled to return much later, in March 2027. The airline plans to operate its newest “Elevated” Boeing 787-9 configuration on the route, featuring 64 Polaris suites, 35 Premium Plus seats, and 123 economy seats.
United Builds Toward Four Daily Israel Flights
By April 2027, United expects to operate an average of four daily flights between the United States and Tel Aviv, potentially making it the largest US airline serving the Israeli market. The planned frequency would also match the highest April level United has previously operated, reached in 2023.
The expansion comes as other US carriers gradually rebuild their Israel networks. Delta Air Lines restarted its daily New York JFK–Tel Aviv service on September 6 using the Airbus A330-900, although its Atlanta and Boston routes remain suspended. American Airlines, meanwhile, is not expected to resume its New York–Tel Aviv service until March 2027.
More Competition Returns to the US–Israel Market
The restoration of United’s Newark service also increases competition on a market that has faced unusually limited nonstop capacity. Following the closure of Israeli airspace to most commercial flights on February 28 and its gradual reopening through April, El Al and Arkia were the principal operators of nonstop US–Israel services, contributing to limited choice and higher fares.
Israir is also preparing to re-enter the US market after an 18-year absence, with three weekly flights planned between Tel Aviv and New York JFK. The carrier has obtained two Airbus A330-200 widebodies for the operation, adding another potential source of capacity.
United’s September 8 restart is therefore more than the return of a single route. It represents the beginning of a broader US–Israel network restoration, with additional frequencies, aircraft, and cities scheduled to follow. For travelers, the immediate headline is straightforward: the Newark–Tel Aviv nonstop connection is back, with two daily flights now leading United’s wider expansion toward 2027.
