May 2025
ISRAIR Cleared for US flights, Eyes Passover 2026 Launch After receiving approval, Israeli airline works to meet all regulatory requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Transportation Security Administration
I n a step toward increasing competition on routes to the United States, Israeli airline Israir announced Monday it has received official approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate flights to the U.S.. The company is now entering the next phase of the process—meeting all regulatory requirements set by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Israir said final approval is expected by June 2025, in line with the timeline presented to its board of directors, and described the move as a foundation for securing a permanent operating license. “This marks a significant leap forward for the company,” Israir said in a statement,
calling the approval “a vote of confidence in our professionalism, reliability and operational excellence.” The airline said it plans to launch flights around Passover 2026-or possibly earlier-depending on the availability of aircraft secured through long-term dry lease agreements. The flights will be operated by Israir flight crews and aircraft branded
with the airline’s logo. Following the outbreak of war in October 2023, U.S. airlines halted service to Israel, leaving El Al as the sole carrier operating on the route. The first sign of renewed activity came in February when Israeli airline Arkia launched a route to New York. Last month, United Airlines resumed flights to Israel, and this month Delta Air Lines followed suit.
Centrum Air Launches Tel Aviv -Tashkent Flights Centrum Air’s move also caters to Uzbekistan’s sizable diaspora in Israel
growing player in Central Asia’s evolving aviation sector. Centrum Air’s move also caters to Uzbekistan’s sizable diaspora in Israel, offering a more accessible travel option for visiting friends and relatives. With flights scheduled at convenient times and competitive pricing, the route is expected to draw significant demand from both leisure and
business segments. The airline’s expansion reflects Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to boost tourism and improve air connectivity. In recent years, the country has eased visa restrictions and invested in tourism infrastructure to encourage international visits. This direct link from Israel aligns with those efforts and signals growing ties between the two nations.
C entrum Air launches Tel Aviv–Tashkent flights this April, expanding its international network and offering a new direct link between Israel and Uzbekistan. The new route opens up convenient travel opportunities for tourists, business travelers, and the Uzbek diaspora in Israel looking to reconnect with
family or explore new destinations. The inaugural flight from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to Tashkent International Airport took off on April 4, 2025, marking a significant step in Centrum Air’s growth. The flights will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. This launch further positions the carrier as a
Israel Travel News • 23
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