Air Canada temporarily cancels flights to Tel Aviv following Hamas attack on Israel
Toronto/IBNS: Starting on Sunday, Air Canada has cancelled all flights temporarily to Tel Aviv following Hamas' deadly attacks on Israel.
“We are monitoring this dynamic situation closely and we will adjust these plans as required. We remain in contact with the Canadian government,” the airline said in a statement on Saturday.
“Air Canada will resume operations to Tel Aviv as soon as the situation stabilizes.”
Most international airlines including Hainan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Royal Air Maroc have already cancelled flights in and out of Israel and governments are revising travel guidance for those heading to the region.
In view of the fluid situation, all information is subject to sudden change.
Passengers flying to or from Tel Aviv who will be affected by the suspension have been asked by the airline to make travel changes, including refund options.
Air Canada which operates daily flights from Toronto to Tel Aviv, also flies to Tel Aviv from Montreal three times a week.
Israel hit Gaza with airstrikes in response to Hamas' surprise attack on Israel by air, land and sea leaving hundreds dead and thousands more injured.
There are reportedly 1,419 Canadians registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad in Israel and 492 Canadians registered in the Palestinian Territories.
"As registration with the service is voluntary, this is not a complete picture of Canadians outside the country, nor an indication of the number of Canadians abroad that wish to stay or leave," Global Affairs was reported saying and added that all personnel at the embassy in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are safe and accounted for.
"Canada continues to advise Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to the unpredictable security situation," Global Affairs said.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)