Air Canada will support the Government of Canada in the return of Canadians who are in Israel

Air Canada announced that, in coordination with the Government of Canada, it will operate two special flights on October 13 and 14 from Athens to bring Canadians and permanent residents home from Israel. Thanks to this agreement, the Government of Canada will operate military flights from Tel Aviv to transport people to Athens, where they will connect with special Air Canada flights back to Toronto.

"Although for security reasons we cannot operate our regular flights to Tel Aviv at this time, we are supporting the Government of Canada to bring Canadians home safely from Israel through these special repatriation flights. We are closely monitoring the terrible events in Israel and extend our deepest condolences to its people. We have been flying to Israel since 1995 and it is a very important part of our network. Air Canada is committed to resuming commercial operations as soon as the situation stabilizes. I thank all Air Canada employees for their tireless efforts to organize these special flights," said Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada.

"We are deeply grateful for Air Canada's help in bringing Canadians home. We will continue to work around the clock to help Canadians and for those who need help in the region, you can contact Global Affairs at: sos@international .gc.ca," stated the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"We know this situation is difficult and we have been working to find solutions that will allow Canadians to return home safely. I would like to thank Air Canada, its pilots, crew members and everyone who has participated in this effort. We will continue to be available to Canadians and their loved ones who need help," said Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Transport and Lieutenant of Quebec.

What customers should do: Air Canada will operate two repatriation flights using a 300-seat wide-body aircraft, departing on October 13 and 14 from Athens to Toronto.

Global Affairs Canada is coordinating local preparations in Israel and will provide special codes for Canadians wishing to return home, so anyone wishing to board those flights should contact Global Affairs Canada first.

Air Canada customers with unused return tickets will be able to redeem them for travel on special repatriation flights to Toronto.

Passengers who do not have a ticket will be able to purchase one on the Air Canada website using the Government code.

Canadians abroad should contact Global Affairs Canada for more information.

Air Canada service to Israel

Air Canada has temporarily canceled flights to Tel Aviv up to and including October 31, 2023. We are closely monitoring this dynamic situation and will resume operations to Tel Aviv when the situation stabilizes. A goodwill policy is in place to allow passengers flying to/from Tel Aviv to make changes to their trip, including refund options. Air Canada's normal schedule is 10 weekly flights from Canada to Tel Aviv, both from Toronto (daily) and Montreal (3 times a week).