Air Canada to restore Toronto-Tel Aviv service in early 2027: IMOT

Tourism to Israel is set to gain greater access from Canada in early 2027, with Air Canada planning to restore non-stop service between Toronto and Tel Aviv as part of a broader return of North American carriers to the destination.

Air Canada plans to reinstate flights between Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) four times weekly beginning Jan. 17, 2027, according to a press release from the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).

“It’s exciting to see more and more ways for travellers from North America to reach Israel,” said Yoram Elgrabli, Tourism Commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, in a statement.

“The return of nonstop service, together with new routes and connections, is a very positive sign for tourism and gives travellers greater choice and flexibility when planning a trip to Israel. There is so much for visitors to discover, and we’re thrilled to see this momentum building and look forward to welcoming more travellers from the U.S. and Canada.”

The plan, of course, remains subject to change depending on how things go in the region.  

Earlier this month, Air Canada extended its suspension of service to Tel Aviv (and Dubai) as the security situation in the Middle East remained uncertain.

As previously reported, the airline confirmed Aug. 4 that flights to and from Tel Aviv (TLV) and Dubai (DBX) will remain suspended through mid-January 2027.

Other carriers scheduled to return

The Toronto service is among other North American routes scheduled to return over the coming months.

Delta Air Lines will resume daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv on Sept. 6, while United Airlines will restore twice-daily nonstop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) beginning Sept. 8.

EL AL Israel Airlines, meanwhile, is expanding its North American network with the launch of service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Tel Aviv on Oct. 25, adding another nonstop option from the West Coast.

Israeli low-cost carrier Israir is also preparing to enter the U.S. market, with plans to begin service from New York on Oct. 19.

More connectivity is scheduled for later in the year. Delta will resume Atlanta-Tel Aviv flights on Dec. 19, while United Airlines plans to restore service to Tel Aviv from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) this winter.

American Airlines is also planning to return to the New York-Tel Aviv market from JFK in March 2027, said the IMOT.

The update also comes after several years of setbacks for Israel's tourism sector as geopolitical conflict and security concerns disrupted international travel and reduced air connectivity.

While Israel enters a new era of tourism recovery, the Government of Canada still advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the country due to the "volatile security situation in the region."

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.