Israel's Arkia Forges Partnership with JetBlue for US and Latin American Flight Connections

Israel's Arkia Airlines has signed a new interline agreement with JetBlue Airways to facilitate seamless connections for passengers traveling between Israel, the US, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the deal, Arkia's weekly non-stop flights from Tel Aviv to New York's JFK Airport will be integrated with JetBlue's extensive network.

This partnership is the first of its kind for Arkia, which primarily focuses on domestic and European flights but recently expanded its reach to the US market. The airline has been competing with El Al Israel Airlines in the transatlantic route since launching its Tel Aviv to New York service a year ago.

The deal is expected to enhance Arkia's long-haul operations and provide passengers with greater flexibility in connecting to a broader range of destinations.

Why Did This Agreement Occur?

Arkia's CEO, Oz Berlowitz, stated that the agreement strengthens the airline's long-haul operations and expands its service offerings for customers traveling to North America. JetBlue, the sixth-largest airline in the US, emphasized that the partnership will expand its global reach and offer customers more destination options.

The agreement aligns with Arkia's strategic goals to compete with larger carriers while improving its customer experience through international connectivity.

What Does the Partnership Mean for Customers?

Under the interline agreement, Arkia's passengers will now be able to connect with JetBlue's flights across the US and Latin America and the Caribbean. This will enable travelers to access a broader range of destinations and enjoy seamless transfers between flights.

For JetBlue, the partnership allows it to extend its reach to the Middle East without the need for direct flights, leveraging Arkia's transatlantic service.

How Does This Compare to Other Agreements in the Industry?

El Al Israel Airlines, Arkia's main competitor, also has an interline agreement with JetBlue. However, a previous codeshare agreement between the two airlines ended in October 2025. Arkia's new agreement is expected to strengthen its market position in the transatlantic corridor.

The partnership reflects a broader trend in the airline industry, where carriers collaborate to enhance connectivity and offer more value to passengers without the need to operate direct flights to every destination.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are now watching how the partnership will impact customer demand and ticket pricing in the transatlantic and intra-American routes. The success of the agreement could lead to more interline deals between Middle Eastern and North American carriers.

Additionally, the market is monitoring how Arkia will balance its domestic and international operations while expanding its long-haul footprint. The airline's ability to maintain profitability in a competitive market will be key.