Air Canada has postponed the resumption of its flights to Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv until mid-January 2027, extending the suspension that began on 28 February 2026. The airline confirmed the revised timeline in a travel update published on Tuesday, 9 August 2026.
Flight Suspension and Restart Dates
Flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv were initially suspended on 28 February 2026 following escalated tensions in the Middle East. The latest update sets the earliest expected restart of these routes for mid-January 2027, covering the entire peak winter travel period. Air Canada has not guaranteed that this restart date will remain unchanged, leaving open the
possibility of further delays.
Operational Uncertainty Due to Middle East Conflict
The ongoing suspension reflects continuing uncertainty in Israeli airspace and the broader region due to a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that began in March 2026. This instability has affected airline operations and scheduling, resulting in Air Canada’s cancellation of flights to these Middle Eastern destinations immediately after escalated tensions on 28 February 2026.
Flexible Booking Policy and Traveler Guidance
Since late March 2026, Air Canada has offered a flexible booking policy applicable to eligible customers. Depending on booking specifics, passengers affected by the flight suspensions may rebook for a later date without fees, change their destination, or cancel
their bookings for future travel credits. The airline stressed that terms vary by individual booking, advising passengers to check conditions attached to their tickets and confirm flight status before traveling.
Operations by Other Airlines and Market Context
Local carriers Emirates and flydubai continue to operate flights from Dubai International Airport to both Dubai and Tel Aviv, maintaining connectivity despite Air Canada’s absence. Several international airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Singapore Airlines have been reviewing their Dubai schedules amid ongoing regional instability but have not announced firm restart dates. Canadian travelers currently rely on connections through European or Gulf hubs to reach Dubai and Tel
Aviv.
