TORONTO — Air Canada, in coordination with the federal government, is operating two repatriation flights to bring Canadians home from Israel.
The Canadian government will transport people from Tel Aviv to Athens via military flights, to connect with Air Canada’s Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 repatriation flights back to Toronto.
Air Canada notes that Global Affairs Canada is coordinating local arrangements in Israel and will provide special codes for Canadians wishing to return home. Anyone wishing to board the flights are asked to reach out to Global Affairs Canada first.
Air Canada says it plans to resume regular flights to Israel as soon as the situation stabilizes. Air Canada, along with many other airlines, began cancelling Israel service after the Oct. 7 attacks. Air Canada’s normal schedule is 10 weekly flights from Canada to Tel Aviv from both Toronto (daily) and Montreal (three times weekly). Currently Air Canada’s regularly scheduled service is cancelled up to and including Oct. 31, 2023. There is a goodwill policy in place to enable passengers flying to/from Tel Aviv to make changes to their travel, including options for a refund.
Air Canada also says that customers with unused return tickets can exchange them for travel on the special repatriation flights to Toronto. Passengers without an existing ticket will be able to purchase one on the Air Canada website using the government code. Canadians abroad are asked to contact Global Affairs Canada for more information.
“Although safety considerations are unfortunately preventing us from operating our regular flights to Tel Aviv at present, we are supporting the Government of Canada in bringing Canadians home safely from Israel through these special repatriation flights. We continue to monitor the terrible events in Israel very closely and extend to its people our deepest condolences. We have flown 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 employees involved across Air Canada for their tireless efforts in organizing these special flights,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive at Air Canada.
Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “We are deeply grateful for Air Canada’s assistance in helping to bring Canadians home. We will continue to work around the clock to support Canadians and for those in the region who need assistance, please contact Global Affairs at sos@international.gc.ca.”
Pablo Rodriguez, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, added: “We know that this situation is difficult, and we’ve been working to find solutions to get Canadians home safely. I’d like to thank Air Canada, their pilots, crew members, and everyone involved in this effort. We’ll continue to be there for Canadians and their loved ones who need help.”
IMOT STATEMENT & INFO LINKS
Meanwhile the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has released a statement in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
As reported earlier this week, airlines and tour operators have been posting updates for travel advisors and travellers as Israel’s inbound tourism industry shutters in the wake of the violence.
“The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is deeply saddened by the events that took place at our southern border with Gaza on Saturday, October 7, as well as the escalation of conflict that is targeting northern borders of Israel and the small cities, communities, and Kibbutzim throughout the region. As a result of the events, the government has declared a state of emergency,” says IMOT.
“The safety and security of our visitors is our top priority, and we are working to ensure their wellbeing in every way possible. IMOT, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working to assist those who wish to depart from Israel. While Canadian and U.S. carriers have suspended flights to Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, and many flights are still departing Israel. Travellers should continue to check the status of flights and the status of Ben Gurion International Airport at https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/.”
IMOT adds that Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is operating a ‘virtual office’ reachable via WhatsApp (+972 55 972 6931) or email (virtual@goisrael.gov.il). Travellers currently in Israel can dial 104 for information.
IMOT will provide updates on travel to and around Israel as new information becomes available.
Here are some helpful links from IMOT …
- Israel Ministry of Tourism:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_tourism/govil-landing-page
Ben Gurion Airport: https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/
- Canada House/Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv: Telephone +972 3 636 3300, Fax: +972 3 636 3383, email: taviv@international.gc.ca and taviv.consular@international.gc.ca (Consular service) Israel U.S. Embassy: https://il.usembassy.gov/
