Air Canada and WestJet Offer Flexibility as Middle East Tensions Rise

WestJet and Air Canada have activated their flexible change policies due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while the Canadian government works to assist nationals seeking to leave the region. As of March 5, 2026, the situation remains volatile, with significant disruptions to air travel.

Evacuation Efforts and Airspace Restrictions

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated on March 4, 2026, that the situation is “unstable and evolving by the hour,” highlighting the challenges associated with evacuating over 2,000 Canadians who have requested government assistance .

Airspace closures and restrictions vary by country. Some countries have open airspace, others have partial closures, and some remain completely closed, limiting flight capacity. Canada has formally requested permission to employ UAE airspace, with a decision expected in the coming days. The majority of Canadians seeking assistance are located in the United Arab Emirates (approximately 1,170 people).

Canadians in Qatar and Israel are being transported to neighboring countries to catch outbound flights. A flight from Lebanon carrying Canadians departed on March 4, 2026, with approximately 200 additional seats expected to turn into available on subsequent flights. Canadians seeking to leave Iran are advised to travel to a land border crossing. Canada does not have diplomatic relations with Iran and cannot arrange land transportation within the country.

Canadian consular officers are stationed in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan to assist Canadians crossing land borders. Canadians abroad are encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service. Assistance can also be obtained by calling 613-996-8885 or emailing SOS@international.gc.ca.

Air Canada Flight Changes

Air Canada has suspended all flights to and from Dubai (DXB) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until March 23, 2026. Passengers with reservations to these cities are advised not to travel to the airport.

Passengers whose flights are canceled will be contacted by Air Canada to discuss options, including a full refund. Travelers with maintained flights can change their itineraries without change fees for tickets purchased on or before February 28, 2026, for travel to, from, or through the following airports between now and March 15, 2026:

• Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• Amman (AMM)
• Beirut (BEY)
• Dammam (DMM)
• Dubai (DXB)
• Erbil (EBL)
• Tel Aviv (TLV)

Changes can be made to a new date by March 31, 2026, subject to cabin availability. Any price difference will apply for changes beyond this date.

WestJet Flight Changes

WestJet is providing a one-time waiver of change or cancellation fees for tickets related to travel to, from, or via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), as well as Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).

No modification or cancellation fees will be required, but fare differences will be billed or refunded according to the fare category of the new ticket. Canceled flights will be refunded to the original payment method (credit card, Travel Bank credits, or rewards points). UltraBasic tickets will be refunded in the form of Travel Bank credit valid for 12 months.

This policy is currently in effect until March 6, 2026.