Air Canada Moves Up Israel Return, Resuming TLV-YYZ Flights this Fall • YeahThatsKosher

Air Canada Accelerates Its Comeback

Air Canada is moving up its return to Israel, with the first Tel Aviv–Toronto flight now scheduled for November 30 — nearly two months ahead of the mid-January 2027 date the airline had previously announced.

The carrier will operate the route four times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with business, premium economy and economy cabins. The nonstop restores a key link between Israel and Canada, with onward connections through Toronto Pearson to destinations across Canada, the United States and Latin America.

The announcement follows comments from Air Canada spokesperson Angela May, who said earlier this month that “Israel is an important market for us, and we are evaluating the possibility of resuming scheduled service before our planned mid-January 2027 return.”

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the news. “It’s exciting to see more and more ways for travellers from North America to reach Israel,” said Yoram Elgrabli, the ministry’s Tourism Commissioner for North America, calling the returning capacity “a very positive sign for tourism.”

Why the Route Was Suspended

Air Canada suspended its Tel Aviv service amid the war between Israel and Iran that began in March 2026. In an August 4 update, the airline extended the suspension of its Tel Aviv and Dubai routes through mid-January 2027, citing the uncertain security situation in the region.

It was the airline’s second suspension in two years. Service was first halted in May 2025 after a Houthi ballistic missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport; flights briefly resumed in October 2025 before being pulled again in March 2026. The airline says its scheduling decisions follow extensive safety analyses conducted with government authorities, crew unions and security experts.

What It Means for Canada–Israel Travelers

The nonstop’s return is welcome news for Canadian travelers, who for months have had to connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs such as London, Frankfurt or Athens to reach Israel. It also gives travelers across North America another one-stop option via Air Canada’s Star Alliance hub at Toronto Pearson.

More competition is good news for fares, too. During the suspension, El Al has largely carried the Canada–Israel market on its own, and additional nonstop seats typically translate into better prices and award availability.

More North American Airlines Returning to Israel

Air Canada is part of a broader wave of North American carriers restoring Israel service as demand rebounds:

Delta Air Lines resumed daily New York (JFK)–Tel Aviv flights on September 6, with Atlanta–Tel Aviv service starting December 19.
United Airlines resumed twice-daily Newark–Tel Aviv flights on September 8 and plans to restart Chicago and Washington Dulles routes this winter.
El Al will launch new nonstop service between San Francisco and Tel Aviv on October 25.
Israir is launching Tel Aviv–New York flights this fall, becoming the third Israeli carrier on the route.
American Airlines plans to return to the New York–Tel Aviv market from JFK in March 2027.

Good to Know Before You Book

Air Canada offers kosher meals (KSML) on international flights, but they must be requested in advance — typically at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Add the request when you book or through the airline’s website under your reservation.

As with all Israel service, schedules remain subject to change based on conditions in the region. Travelers may want to book flexible fares and watch for airline updates as the November 30 launch approaches.