Let me tell you, visiting Israel has been a dream of mine forever, but finding the right airline makes a huge difference in starting your trip off right. My recent journey exploring the best places in Israel was incredible, from wandering through the buzzing cafes and beaches of Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood to soaking in Jerusalem’s ancient energy in the German Colony area. But getting there comfortably? That’s a whole other story.
I’ve tested enough airlines on this route to know which ones actually deliver and which ones just promise the moon. I analyzed over 100 popular flight routes to Frankfurt from around the world, considering factors like the amenities, pricing, seat comfort/legroom, and on-time performance. Here’s my honest breakdown of airlines that make the long journey to Israel actually enjoyable rather than just another travel headache.
Foreign Carriers Returning July 2026
One thing to check before you book: after Ben Gurion reopened post-ceasefire, foreign airlines are coming back on a staggered schedule. Lufthansa restarts two daily Frankfurt to Tel Aviv flights on July 1, 2026, with Swiss following on the Zurich to Tel Aviv route from August 1. But a few picks on this list are still grounded: United‘s Newark nonstop stays suspended until September 7 and British Airways won’t fly London to Tel Aviv until October 24, so confirm your carrier is operating your exact dates before you commit. (More on the carrier return)
Top Airlines Offering the Best Service & Deals to Israel
Looking for the best airlines offering top service & deals to Israel? Fly with El Al Israel Airlines for a seamless travel experience, enjoy premium comfort with Lufthansa, opt for reliability with United Airlines, or experience world-class service with British Airways. Whether you prioritize convenience, affordability, or luxury, these airlines provide top options for your trip to Israel.
At a Glance: 10 Airlines Compared
| Airline | Hub | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|
| El Al Israel Airlines | Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) | Matmid |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt (FRA) | Miles & More |
| United Airlines | Newark (EWR) | MileagePlus |
| British Airways | London Heathrow (LHR) | Executive Club |
| Air France | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | Flying Blue |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul (IST) | Miles&Smiles |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Zurich (ZUR) | Miles & More |
| ITA Airways | Rome Fiumicino (FCO) | Volare (SkyTeam alliance) |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) | ShebaMiles |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) | Flying Blue |
1. 🇮🇱 El Al Israel Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Matmid (no major alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Kosher cuisine, Israeli hospitality, enhanced security protocols
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Sign up for El Al’s Matmid Frequent Flyer Club before booking. Members often get early access to seat sales, bonus baggage allowances, and exclusive security fast-track offers at Ben Gurion. It’s free to join and can pay off right away.
Flying with El Al feels like starting your Israeli experience before you even land. As the national airline, they know Tel Aviv inside out, and their nonstop flights from New York, LA, Boston, and Miami skip the headache of European layovers. Roundtrip fares typically range from $700-$1,200, depending on season and major Jewish holidays.
Step aboard El Al’s Boeing 787s or 777s and you’ll find cabins that blend modern comfort with distinctly Israeli character. Economy comes with complimentary kosher meals that are actually enjoyable, while Premium Economy adds more space and upgraded kosher dining. Business Class offers lie-flat seats and a menu that wouldn’t feel out of place in a fine Tel Aviv restaurant.
Matmid operates independently but offers solid value for frequent Israel travelers. Gold status gets you priority boarding and lounge access at Ben Gurion, while Platinum unlocks enhanced security processing that’s genuinely valuable given Israel’s thorough screening procedures. Award availability tends to be reasonable, especially during off-peak travel periods.
El Al’s deals often focus on connecting the global Jewish community with home. High Holiday sales in September and October usually start around $650-$850, while Passover promos reward early planners with solid discounts. Summer flash sales sometimes dip below $600, and Birthright alumni enjoy ongoing travel perks.
2. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa
- 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: German engineering reliability, extensive European network, punctual operations
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Save time by checking in online and pre-booking your preferred seat, especially on connections through Frankfurt or Munich.
Getting to Israel with Lufthansa feels like the most efficient way to reach the Middle East. Frankfurt and Munich connections run with that classic German precision, and if you’re not in the mood for missed connections or airport chaos, this is a solid pick. Roundtrip fares to Tel Aviv usually fall between $650 and $950, often beating other European carriers on price and reliability.
Once you’re onboard their A340s or A330s, you’ll get exactly what you’d expect. The cabins are clean and built to last, Economy is comfortable and straightforward, and everything just works. Premium Economy offers more legroom and upgraded meals, while Business Class comes with lie-flat seats, aisle access, and the kind of practical comfort Lufthansa is known for. It’s not flashy, but pretty dependable.
When it comes to loyalty program, Miles & More through Star Alliance works well for Israel travel, especially when mixing with United for US connections. Senator status gets you into Lufthansa’s excellent lounges that feel more like private clubs, while the program’s massive network means flexible routing options. Award availability can be tricky, but when it works, you’re accessing one of the world’s biggest airline networks.
Lufthansa runs Israel promotions year-round with the consistency you’d expect. Winter sales often bring fares down to $550-$650, while spring early-bird offers bring Business Class down $1,800-$2,200. Meanwhile, Economy sometimes dips below $500 in summer.
- Read next: Gorgeous Places in the Middle East
3. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Newark (EWR), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Washington Dulles (IAD)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Extensive US network, Star Alliance partnerships, improved service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Set fare alerts for United’s nonstop Newark-Tel Aviv route. Business Class sales can drop under $3,000, and award space often opens up in off-peak windows.
United’s nonstop route from Newark to Tel Aviv is a rare win. No European layovers, no surprise detours, just a clean, 11-hour hop from the East Coast straight to Israel. It’s one of the few U.S. carrier routes to the Middle East that actually runs well. Fares typically fall between $800 and $1,300 roundtrip, often cheaper than connecting through Europe.
Settle into United’s 787 Dreamliner and you’ll notice they’ve put their best foot forward on this route. Premium Plus is genuinely worth it for the long haul. Those extra-wide seats and serious legroom make overnight flights bearable, plus enhanced meal service that doesn’t taste like cardboard. Polaris Business features proper lie-flat beds with decent bedding, and the cabin feels more premium than United’s typical domestic experience.
✈️ How I Fly for a Fraction of the Price (Even Business Class)
Airfare keeps climbing, but I almost never pay full price. Going.com emails me roundtrips to Europe for under $350. With Elite, you’ll even see business class to Europe for ~$1,700 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
Planning a big trip? Elite members save up to $2,000 on a single international business-class ticket. I’ve seen nonstop biz to Scotland for $1,250.
👉 Try Going Elite free for 14 days. Cancel anytime, and use code JON25 for 25% off.
Just want the cheap economy deals? Start free in 10 seconds, no credit card required.
It’s the best money-saving tool I’ve used in 10+ years of travel.
👉 Try Going Elite free →MileagePlus through Star Alliance creates excellent Israel opportunities, especially since this is one of United’s few Middle Eastern routes. Premier Silver gets you priority boarding and free bags, while Premier Gold unlocks Star Alliance lounge access including decent facilities at Newark and Ben Gurion.
United’s Tel Aviv pricing can be all over the map, but when they run sales, it’s worth paying attention. Winter shoulder season often brings fares down to $700-850, spring advance purchase deals reward early booking with Business Class starting around $2,800-3,200, and summer flash sales occasionally drop economy below $650. Newark operations have improved dramatically, meaning you’ll actually make your connection if you’re coming from elsewhere in the US.
✈️ How I keep catching business class to Tel Aviv under $3K
Lie-flat to Israel almost never shows up cheap on Google Flights, but I’ve watched these exact routings drop 40-60% when an alert hits at the right moment. Going Elite is how I get the heads-up on those premium cabin fares before they sell out, whether it’s a United Polaris nonstop from Newark or a Lufthansa biz seat through Frankfurt.
Try Going Elite free for 14 days — use code JON25 for 25% off if you keep it.
4. 🇬🇧 British Airways
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Oneworld alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Heathrow lounges, afternoon tea service, extensive network
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book BA’s London & Tel Aviv package for $249. It includes up to 4 days in London with West End theatre discounts, traditional afternoon tea vouchers, and Tel Aviv hotel perks when you land.
British Airways makes the trip from London to Tel Aviv feel smooth and refined, especially if you’re coming from the US and don’t mind a Heathrow layover. With multiple daily departures to Israel, you get solid scheduling options. And if you’ve never spent time in London, the stopover can easily turn into a bonus destination.
The inflight experience is what you’d expect from BA: understated but polished. The airline’s A320s and 787s have a calm, well-designed cabin. Economy is reliable, Premium Economy offers a noticeable upgrade, and Club World business class comes with fully flat seats and surprisingly good food. Afternoon tea, complete with scones and jam, is a small touch that adds charm to the trip.
If you’re using Avios, the short-haul from London to Tel Aviv is one of the better redemptions. Award seats usually go for 15,000-20,000 points. Status with the Executive Club brings lounge access, better boarding, and smoother connections through Terminal 5. British Airways also offers seasonal promos that make earning or spending miles on this route even easier.
What sets BA apart is how well it understands this route. Flight schedules account for major Jewish holidays, kosher meals are readily available, and the staff is used to Tel Aviv travelers with all their unique needs and questions.
- Read next: British Airways First Class Guide
5. 🇫🇷 Air France
- 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, La Première
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam alliance)
- ☕ Perks: French cuisine and wines, elegant cabin design, Paris cultural layovers
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the “Stopover in Paris” option during booking. It lets you explore the city with special hotel rates and easy add-ons like museum passes or a Seine cruise.
Air France brings that unmistakable French sophistication to Israel travel via Paris, and honestly, if you’re going to connect somewhere in Europe, why not make it the City of Light? With multiple daily flights from CDG to Tel Aviv, schedules are flexible, and roundtrip fares usually fall between $580 and $880.
From the moment you board an Air France A320 or A330, you’re reminded this is a French airline. The cabins are clean and tastefully designed, and even in Economy, the food and wine options are a step above the norm. Premium Economy gives you more space and a quieter ride, while Business Class brings in fully flat beds, better amenities, and thoughtful service that never feels rushed.
Flying Blue is a strong program for this route. Monthly Promo Rewards frequently include Tel Aviv, making it easy to redeem miles for less. Silver members get useful perks like extra baggage and early boarding, and Gold status opens access to SkyTeam lounges in Paris and Tel Aviv. It’s a straightforward way to get more out of your flight without jumping through hoops.
Paris might not be the fastest route to Israel, but it adds something to the journey. Connections typically run 2-4 hours, which is perfect for experiencing French airport culture, grabbing proper croissants, and mentally transitioning from European to Middle Eastern mindset. Meanwhile, pricing stays competitive with seasonal promotions like Jewish holidays, student discounts for studying abroad, and family packages that recognize many passengers are visiting relatives.
- Read next: Air France First Class Guide
6. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Comfort Class, Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Outstanding cuisine, generous baggage policy, Istanbul Airport facilities
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Pre-order your meal on Turkish Airlines’ website before check-in. You’ll get more variety and a better shot at securing one of their regional specialties before they run out mid-flight.
Turkish Airlines is one of those carriers that makes the journey to Tel Aviv just as memorable as the destination. Flying through Istanbul might not seem like the obvious choice, but between the pricing, service, and stopover perks, it’s a route that often makes more sense than you’d expect. Roundtrip fares usually range from $520 to $780, frequently undercutting European competitors.
Get comfortable on Turkish’s 787s or A350s and prepare for airline meals that will ruin every other carrier forever. We’re talking actual Turkish cuisine like lamb dishes, fresh bread, and desserts that actually taste homemade. Comfort Class gives you extra legroom and priority boarding, while Business Class features excellent lie-flat seats with Turkish hospitality that feels genuine rather than scripted.
Miles&Smiles through Star Alliance opens up decent redemption opportunities, especially when mixing with United or Lufthansa for US connections. Gold status gets you into Turkish’s impressive Istanbul lounges where you can literally get Turkish massages between flights, while their award availability often beats European competitors for Tel Aviv routes.
Turkish’s Israel operations reflect the complex but important relationship between Turkey and Israel, offering competitive pricing that often undercuts European alternatives by $200-300. Istanbul connections usually run 3-6 hours, giving you time to explore the airport’s museums, grab authentic Turkish coffee, or even take that free city tour if your layover stretches longer.
7. 🇨🇭 Swiss International Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Zurich (ZUR), Geneva (GVA)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Swiss chocolate service, Alpine wine selection, punctual operations
- 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re flying First or Business, take advantage of Swiss’ Arrival Lounge in Zurich. Here, you can shower, eat, and recharge before your Tel Aviv connections.
Zurich might not be the first stop that comes to mind when planning a trip to Israel, but that’s part of what makes flying Swiss feel different. The experience is calm from the start. Zurich Airport is bright, efficient, and built for quick connections, and flights to Tel Aviv run multiple times daily with minimal delays.
Instead of flash or gimmicks, Swiss leans into subtle quality. Even in Economy, there’s care in the service, from the warm bread roll to the end-of-meal chocolate. Premium Economy adds comfort without overpromising, and Business Class includes lie-flat seats and meals that feature Swiss ingredients, including regional wines most travelers haven’t seen before.
What sets Swiss apart isn’t just the reliability, but also the balance between structure and hospitality. Staff are attentive without hovering, the boarding process is fast, and everything basically just moves with precision. For travelers coming from the US, pairing Swiss with a United or Air Canada connection makes the full Star Alliance experience smooth and status-friendly.
Miles & More through Swiss operates more generously than their German cousins, with better Tel Aviv award availability and upgrade policies that don’t require selling organs. Elite Senator status gets you into Swiss lounges that feel like Alpine retreats complete with mountain views, while the Star Alliance connection means seamless earning with United and other US partners.
8. 🇮🇹 ITA Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business (narrowbody A321neo on the Tel Aviv route)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Volare (SkyTeam alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Genuinely good Italian catering, brand-new cabins, easy Rome stopovers
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Add a few days in Rome on the front or back end of your trip. ITA’s fare rules make a stopover easy to build in, and Fiumicino connects you onward across Italy and the rest of Europe without backtracking.
ITA Airways is back on the Tel Aviv map as of July 1, 2026, with twice-daily nonstops between Rome and Tel Aviv on its newest A321neo jets. If you’re coming from the US, routing through Rome turns a long-haul slog into two manageable legs, and you get to break up the trip in one of Europe’s best cities for food and history. Fares from Western Europe usually land in the $250 to $450 roundtrip range, with US itineraries connecting through Rome.
Step onto one of ITA’s A321neos and the first thing you notice is how new everything feels. These are some of the youngest narrowbodies flying this corridor, with clean, quiet cabins and tidy seatback setups. Economy is comfortable for the roughly four-hour hop from Rome, the Italian catering is a real step above the European average, and Business gives you a blocked middle seat, priority everything, and a proper meal that leans into Italian cooking rather than generic airline fare.
On the loyalty side, Volare runs through SkyTeam, so your miles and status play nicely with Delta, Air France, and KLM, which is handy if you’re piecing together a US connection. Status earns you lounge access at Fiumicino and smoother boarding, and award space on the Tel Aviv route tends to open up outside peak holiday windows. It’s a straightforward program that rewards anyone already sitting in the SkyTeam ecosystem.
One thing worth knowing before you commit: ITA is now part of the Lufthansa Group, which took control of the airline and is steadily folding it into the wider network. For travelers, that mostly means cabins, catering, and loyalty tie-ins should keep improving over the next couple of years. For now, it’s a reliable, bookable way to reach Israel through Rome, which is more than you could say for the Russian option this section used to list.
9. 🇪🇹 Ethiopian Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: ShebaMiles (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: African hospitality, unique routing, competitive pricing
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Enroll in ShebaMiles before booking. New members often get bonus miles on their first international flight, and those miles can be used for future upgrades or award flights.
Ethiopian Airlines to Tel Aviv via Addis Ababa sounds like the most unexpected routing ever, but here’s the wild part—it actually works brilliantly and often saves you serious money. Addis might seem random, but Ethiopian’s excellent service and competitive pricing make this African detour totally worth it. Fares typically run $550-850, often beating European alternatives by $200-300.
Economy here feels more spacious than most carriers, with genuinely good Ethiopian cuisine that’s way more interesting than typical airline food. Business Class features excellent lie-flat seats with enhanced dining that showcases Ethiopian coffee culture (they literally invented coffee, so this matters). Plus, crews bring that warm African hospitality that feels authentic rather than corporate-mandated.
ShebaMiles through Star Alliance creates surprisingly good redemption opportunities, especially when mixing with United or Lufthansa for US connections. Elite Gold status gets you into Ethiopian’s impressive Addis Ababa lounges, while the program often releases more award space than European carriers for Tel Aviv routes.
Ethiopian’s Israel operations reflect the growing connections between Africa and the Middle East, with competitive pricing that often shocks travelers used to European carrier premiums. Addis Ababa connections typically run 2-4 hours, which is perfect for experiencing authentic Ethiopian coffee culture at the airport or even taking that free city tour if you’ve got longer layovers.
10. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Comfort, World Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam alliance, shared with Air France)
- ☕ Perks: Efficient Amsterdam connections, Dutch hospitality, reliable operations
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book KLM’s “Holland & Holy Land” package for $199 – includes Amsterdam stopovers up to 3 days with canal cruise tickets, Anne Frank House priority access, plus Tel Aviv arrival perks like bike rental vouchers and Israeli museum passes
KLM gets you to Tel Aviv through Amsterdam with that signature Dutch efficiency that makes Schiphol one of Europe’s most pleasant connection experiences. The Dutch connection to Israel runs deep historically, and KLM treats this route with the respect it deserves. Fares typically run $580-880, competitive with other European options but often with better service.
Board KLM’s Boeing 777s or 787s and you’ll find cabins that embody Dutch practicality without sacrificing comfort. Economy offers decent legroom with that clean Scandinavian-influenced design, Premium Comfort provides genuine value with extra space and enhanced Dutch-inspired meal service, while World Business Class features solid lie-flat seats with direct aisle access.
Flying Blue is especially useful if you’re heading to Israel more than once. Silver members enjoy priority perks like early boarding and additional baggage, while Gold status opens up SkyTeam lounges in both Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. Award availability for this route tends to be more accessible than on some rival carriers, especially during shoulder seasons.
KLM’s Israel service runs year-round with seasonal promotions that reward early planning. Winter sales often bring fares down to $520-650, while spring deals lower business class prices to around $1,700-2,100. Summer flash sales also occasionally drop Economy below $500. The bonus? KLM offers cultural stopover options, including museum passes and Jewish heritage tours in Amsterdam.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
