Air Canada has announced the resumption of flights to Israel, following extensive safety and security reviews. The airline will restart its Toronto to Tel Aviv route on June 8, offering four direct round-trip flights per week. This comes after thorough consultations with government authorities and other airlines, ensuring a safe return to Israeli airspace amid a fragile truce in the region.
The decision to resume flights marks a significant step for Air Canada, which suspended its operations to Israel following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The situation had forced the airline to halt flights after briefly resuming them last April, only to be interrupted again by an attack from Iran.
In preparation for this return, Air Canada has worked closely with government authorities and industry partners, conducting detailed reviews to guarantee the safety and security of its passengers and crew. The fragile truce currently in place in Israel has provided a window of opportunity for airlines to cautiously resume operations.
Joining Air Canada in the resumption of flights to Tel Aviv are United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. United Airlines plans to restart its services on March 15, while Delta Air Lines will follow suit on April 1. These movements suggest a slow but steady return to normalcy in the region's air travel industry.
Air Canada's resumed schedule will not only include the Toronto route but will also see the introduction of a once-a-week return flight from Montreal starting in August. This expansion indicates the airline's commitment to re-establishing its presence in Israeli airspace, with operations from both Toronto and Montreal running on a regular basis.
The strategic decision to resume flights comes as Air Canada aims to reconnect travelers with Israel while maintaining the highest standards of safety. The airline's careful approach highlights its dedication to passenger well-being and operational security.