Air Canada will resume direct service between Canada and Israel beginning on Tuesday.
Canada’s flag carrier suspended service to Tel Aviv on Oct. 8 in the aftermath of Hamas’ attacks in Israel the day prior that left approximately 1,200 people dead. At the time, the airline said it would resume operations “as soon as the situation stabilizes.”
The schedule will initially consist of four non-stop return flights a week from Toronto in April, three weekly return flights from Toronto, and a once-weekly return flight from Montréal starting in May.
Global Affairs Canada still advises against non-essential travel to Israel, and Canadians are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria.
“Avoid non-essential travel to Israel due to the ongoing regional armed conflict and the unpredictable security situation,” the agency’s website reads.
Following United Airlines return to the Israeli market last month, several major airlines announced the resumption of flights to Israel in April, including Air Canada, Iberia, and KLM. Delta and Ryanair are expected to resume services over the summer.
The Bank of Israel estimates the war’s gross effects at 198 billion shekels ($53 billion), leading to a reduction in economic growth forecasts for 2024. The tourism sector, a key contributor to the economy, is hoping the resumption of international flights will revitalize the financial market.
