What Air Canada announced
Air Canada has pushed back the return of its Dubai flights once again. The airline now says its services to and from Dubai will remain cancelled until the end of March 2027, citing the situation in the Middle East.
Operations to Dubai were suspended on March 2, along with the airline’s Tel Aviv services, following the outbreak of war in Iran. Earlier this month, Air Canada had signalled a mid-January restart for Dubai, and confirmed its Toronto–Tel Aviv flights would resume on November 30. That January target for Dubai is now off the table.
Industry reporting indicates the extension covers the airline’s Toronto–Dubai and Winnipeg–Dubai services. Travellers holding bookings on the affected dates should expect to be contacted by the airline about refunds or rebooking options.
Which airlines are coming back this winter
Air Canada is not the only carrier taking its time. Dubai’s winter season — the emirate’s peak travel period — usually sees international airlines restore capacity, and several are doing just that.
Travel trade coverage reports that KLM, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa are expected back in Dubai by the end of October, with carriers including Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Finnair among those returning into 2027. Air Canada has previously pointed to ongoing airspace closures, insurance complications and operational disruption as reasons for its caution, and it is clearly waiting for conditions to stabilise before committing.
What travellers from Canada can do
If you are planning to travel between Canada and the UAE this winter, here are your practical options:
Book the direct Emirates service
Emirates continues to operate non-stop flights between Toronto and Dubai, and remains the simplest option for a direct Canada–UAE journey.
Look at one-stop routings
European carriers flying to Dubai via their home hubs — Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and others — are adding back capacity, which should improve both availability and fares on connecting itineraries.
Keep your booking flexible
With schedules still shifting, a flexible fare or solid travel insurance is worth having. If you are heading to Dubai, our guide to the flight disruptions and what visitors need to know is kept up to date.
Background reading
For more on how the region’s airspace situation has affected travel, see our coverage of Air Canada’s original suspension of Dubai flights and British Airways cancelling UAE flights through March 2027. We also covered flydubai’s return to Iran, Amman and Beirut as routes gradually recover.
FAQs
When will Air Canada fly to Dubai again?
Air Canada currently says its Dubai flights will remain cancelled until the end of March 2027. The date could move again, so check the airline’s latest guidance before booking.
Which Air Canada routes to Dubai are affected?
Industry reporting points to the airline’s Toronto–Dubai and Winnipeg–Dubai services being covered by the suspension.
Why has the suspension been extended?
The airline cites the situation in the Middle East. It has previously referenced ongoing airspace closures, insurance complications and operational disruption.
What are the alternatives for flying Canada to Dubai?
Emirates operates direct Toronto–Dubai flights, and one-stop options via European hubs are available as other international carriers restore capacity through the winter season.
Will I get a refund if my Air Canada Dubai flight is cancelled?
Affected passengers are normally offered refunds or rebooking. Contact Air Canada or the agency you booked through for the options on your specific ticket.
Sources: Travelweek, Time Out Dubai, Dubai Standard.
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