Air Canada extended the suspension of its flights to Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv, delaying the resumption of both routes until mid-January 2027. The airline had suspended these routes starting February 28, 2026, and initially planned to restart services earlier in the winter season but now sets the return to around January 2027 according to its latest update.
Conflict in Middle East Drives Flight Suspension
The prolonged interruption of Air Canada’s routes to Dubai and Tel Aviv is tied to ongoing regional uncertainty following the March 2026 outbreak of war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. This conflict has created instability in the Middle East airspace,
leading to cautious operational decisions across international carriers. Air Canada first canceled its flights immediately after the escalation began on February 28, 2026, and has since maintained the suspension due to unresolved geopolitical risks.
Airline Operations at Dubai International Amid Uncertainty
While Air Canada’s route suspensions continue, Emirates and flydubai, local carriers based at Dubai International Airport, maintain ongoing flight operations. In contrast, a number of major international airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Singapore Airlines have not confirmed stable schedules for their Dubai services, reflecting widespread uncertainty in the region’s international air travel network.
Air Canada Customer Policies and Traveller Impact
To assist affected passengers, Air Canada introduced a flexible booking
policy in late March 2026. Eligible customers can rebook flights without extra fees, change destinations, or cancel trips to receive travel credits depending on their booking circumstances. Air Canada advises travelers to review the most current travel updates and individual booking terms before making changes. Canadians planning travel to Dubai or Tel Aviv should anticipate no available flights from Air Canada until at least mid-January 2027 and verify their flight status ahead of airport departures.
