Air Canada has announced a significant suspension of its flight operations to key destinations in the Middle East, citing updated travel advisories from the Canadian government. The airline confirmed on Monday that all flights to and from Dubai and Tel Aviv are halted, with services scheduled to resume on March 23, 2026.
Updated Travel Advisories Prompt Flight Changes
This decision comes as Canada revised its travel advice and advisories for the region, now recommending that citizens avoid all travel to ten Middle Eastern countries. The affected nations include Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. Additionally, the government advises avoiding non-essential travel to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
In a press release shared on social media, Air Canada emphasized passenger safety as its top priority. The airline urged travelers not to proceed to airports if they are currently in Dubai or Tel Aviv, and it is directly contacting affected customers to facilitate changes.
Flexible Options for Affected Passengers
Air Canada has outlined flexible rebooking and cancellation policies to accommodate passengers impacted by the suspension. For flights to other cities in the region, such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, and Erbil, changes can be made free of charge for travel between now and March 31, provided tickets were purchased by February 28 and subject to cabin availability.
Outside of these dates, any fare differences will apply. Passengers opting to cancel their flights will receive a full refund. Those who booked through Air Canada Vacations are advised to contact the service directly at 1-800-296-3408 for assistance.
Broader Impact on Middle East Travel
The suspension aligns with broader disruptions in the region. Reports indicate that Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will remain closed until at least Friday, while Emirates Airlines has announced extremely limited service on March 3, with direct notifications to customers.
Other Canadian airlines, including Westjet and Porter Airlines, are not directly affected as they do not operate flights to the Middle East. Air Canada encourages all customers to monitor official government travel advisories regularly, as guidance may change rapidly, and the airline will update its policies accordingly.
This move underscores the ongoing volatility in the Middle East and highlights the importance of staying informed about travel safety measures. As the situation evolves, Air Canada remains committed to adjusting its schedule to ensure passenger well-being and compliance with governmental recommendations.
