Arkia Airlines said on Thursday it signed an interline agreement with US carrier JetBlue Airways that will allow passengers flying from Israel to the United States to connect seamlessly to destinations across the US, the Caribbean, and Central America. Arkia said the partnership enhances service for Israeli travelers and strengthens its long-haul offering following the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Under the agreement, Arkia’s schedule of up to seven weekly nonstop flights to JFK will be linked with JetBlue’s wide network of destinations throughout North America and beyond, the carriers said.
What the interline deal means for travelers
Arkia said Israeli passengers will benefit from a smooth travel experience with through-checked baggage from Ben Gurion International Airport to their final destination on JetBlue, and full passenger protection in the event of delays or changes on any flight segment. The arrangement is expected to save time and reduce hassle for those connecting beyond New York to key cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Washington, DC, and Caribbean and Central American destinations.
David Jehn, vice president at JetBlue, said the agreement expands the airline’s global reach and offers customers “a wider range of destinations and seamless connections” between flights. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz described the deal as a significant step in strengthening the airline’s long-haul operations and customer services.
Strategic expansion for Arkia
Arkia, Israel’s second-largest airline, has been expanding its international footprint since it launched nonstop service from Tel Aviv to New York in early 2025, a route that positioned it as a competitor to the national carrier, El Al.
The interline agreement does not constitute a full codeshare but represents a major service enhancement for travelers from Israel connecting to broader US destinations through JetBlue’s hubs, the airlines said.