Delta announces direct flights between Atlanta and Tel Aviv

Photo courtesy Delta Airlines

After years of advocacy, the Southeast once again has a much easier way of getting to Israel.

Delta Airlines will offer direct flights between Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, starting May 10, 2023. Reservations will be available as of July 30.

The flights are expected to be on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday each week, on a 306-seat Airbus A350-900. Eastbound flights will depart Atlanta at 2 p.m., arriving in Tel Aviv the next morning at 9:15. Flights from Israel will leave at 11:30 a.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 5:55 p.m.

Delta’s first flight to Israel debuted in March 2006, from Atlanta. In 2009, the route was transferred to JFK in New York City, and there hasn’t been a direct flight to Israel from Atlanta ever since.

With the new Atlanta flights, Delta will have 13 Israel flights weekly, from Atlanta, New York and Boston.

The announcement of the new flights today came after years of dialogue among Delta executives, the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism office to the Southern U.S.

Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon and Tourism Director Yael Golan worked together, alongside many friends and partners in the region, to highlight the significance and value of resuming a direct connection between Israel and the Southeast U.S.

“These flights will serve to further strengthen the close relations between Israel, the state of Georgia and the Southeast U.S. and will have a significant and positive impact on our relations in a wide range of fields, including political, economic, academic, and cultural exchanges,” Sultan-Dadon said.

Golan said the new route “will significantly benefit both American and Israeli travelers by providing a direct link between the heart of the American South and Israel, creating an easier travel experience for one of our key markets. This will help travel from the southern U.S. to Israel reach new heights.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a long-standing supporter of the bilateral relations with Israel, stated “Delta has a long history of connecting Georgia to the world, and this direct flight between Atlanta and Tel Aviv will provide our state with opportunities for continued growth with important economic partners. The state of Georgia proudly supports Delta’s priority to provide service to Tel Aviv and we look forward to delivering expanded travel options for Georgians, strengthening international ties and creating new relationships in the region.”

Pat Wilson, the Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner also emphasized the importance of connectivity for the bilateral relationship with Israel. “The most important factor in building a successful business is connectivity, and that’s doubly true for international business. Working hand-in-hand with companies like Delta Air Lines and partners like the Consulate General of Israel, Georgia has a variety of assets that make global connections simple and seamless. We are excited about this newly strengthened bridge between Georgia and Israel and the opportunities that will undoubtedly come as a result.”