After a five-month hiatus, Air Canada will resume flights to Israel on Thursday, operating a daily Tel Aviv–Toronto route. The Canadian flag carrier’s return coincides with a major service upgrade that has made it the only traditional North American airline to offer complimentary beer and wine in economy class on all flights, alongside signature Canadian snacks.
The move is part of Air Canada’s effort to enhance its image and passenger experience amid criticism over baggage and service fees. The airline’s reinstated route marks another step in the gradual recovery of international air traffic to and from Israel since the outbreak of the war.
More international airlines return to Israel
Two other carriers — British Airways and Iberia Express — will also resume daily flights to Tel Aviv later this month, starting October 26, connecting Israel to London and Madrid. On the same date, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will restart its Copenhagen–Tel Aviv route with three weekly flights, returning after a nine-and-a-half-year absence.
In addition, Greece’s Sky Express plans to launch daily direct flights between Athens and Tel Aviv beginning December 2.
However, several airlines continue to stay away. Italy’s ITA Airways and Air India both announced they would extend flight suspensions to and from Tel Aviv until at least December 31. Ryanair confirmed in late September it would not renew service to Israel, while easyJet does not plan to resume flights before March 28, 2026.
Despite rumors, Turkish Airlines has no set return date. The carrier, which halted all Tel Aviv flights at the start of the war in October 2023, has been linked to speculation about a possible comeback following renewed cease-fire talks and Ankara’s involvement in mediation. For now, however, no official decision has been made.
Strong shekel sparks travel bargains
Meanwhile, Arkia Airlines CEO Oz Berlovich is urging Israelis to take advantage of the recent drop in the dollar, which fell to 3.28 shekels ahead of the Sukkot holiday — its lowest point in three years.
“This is the time to plan your next vacation and save hundreds or even thousands of shekels,” Berlovich said. “Since flights are priced in U.S. dollars, this is a rare opportunity to book now and lock in lower costs. Anyone who doesn’t take advantage of this is simply missing out.”
Arkia released several examples of how the currency shift translates to lower prices:
Bangkok (Dec. 15–24): round-trip at $1,548 — down from about 5,340 shekel in August to 5,061 shekel now, a 300 shekels saving per traveler.
Dubai (Dec. 29–Jan. 2): four-night Hilton package for two at $3,357 — down from 11,605 shekel to 10,977 shekels.
London (Dec. 29–Jan. 3): flight at $665 — down from 2,294 shekels to 2,174 shekels.
Sri Lanka (Hanukkah): seven-night family vacation at $7,504 — down from 25,941 shekels to 24,600 shekels, a 1,500 shekels saving per family.
Berlovich called the dollar’s weakness “a net gain for Israeli consumers,” adding that it’s an ideal moment to book winter or Passover vacations before the market corrects itself.
As international carriers gradually return and airfares drop with currency shifts, the postwar skies over Israel are slowly reopening — with free drinks and new deals leading the way.