by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Thu March 5, 2026
Both WestJet and Air Canada have activated their flexible rebooking policies in response to the on-going war in the Middle East, while the government scrambles to arrange passage for Canadians stuck in the dangerous region.
"The situation is volatile and changing by the hour," Foreign Affairs minister Anita Anand said yesterday, describing challenges to evacuating the more than 2,000 Canadians in the affected areas who have requested government help.
"In some countries, the airspace is open. In others it is partially open and still others it is fully closed." The limited amount of airspace means only a certain number of flights can operate.
Canada has formally requested the necessary approvals from the government of the United Arab Emirates to use their airspace, and hopes to have everything in place within days. The majority of those who require government help to evacuate are in the UAE — roughly 1,170 Canadians.
In other countries there are even more challenges. People in Qatar and Israel are being bussed to neighbouring countries where they can get flights out. A flight from Lebanon departed March 4, 2026 with Canadians aboard and another 200 seats will be available on flights in the next few days, reports CBC.
Meanwhile, those trying to escape from Iran are advised to make their way to a ground border crossing as safely as they are able. "Unfortunately, we have no ability to arrange ground transportation in Iran as we do not have diplomatic relations," Anand said.
Canadian consular officials are stationed in neighbouring countries, (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Turkmenistan,) to meet Canadians if they cross the border.
Travelling Canadians should register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service if they haven't done so already. Canadians who are looking for help to leave the region can also call 613-996-8885 or email [email protected].
Air Canada Flights
All Air Canada flights into or out of Dubai and Tel Aviv have been cancelled and will not resume before March 23, 2025. Customers in either city with a flight booked are asked not to travel to the airport.
Passengers on a cancelled flight will be contacted by Air Canada with their options, including receiving a full refund.
Passengers who are not on a cancelled flight, but wish to rebook may change their flights and the change fee will be waived. The airline states that the policy applies to tickets purchased no later than February 28, 2026, for travel to, from or through one of 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)
Passengers scheduled to travel during the affected period can retrieve their booking to change flights, free of charge, to another date between now and March 31, 2026, subject to availability in the cabin originally purchased. Outside of those dates, any fare difference will apply.
WestJet Flights
WestJet is also offering a one-time waiver on changes and cancellations on tickets for travel to, from or through Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
No change or cancellation fee will apply, with differences in fares being charged or refunded depending on what fare category the new ticket falls under. Cancelled flights will be credited back in accordance to how they were originally paid (credit card, travel bank credits or reward points) with the exception of UltraBasic fares, which will be refunded as a travel bank credit that is valid for 12 months.
At the time of writing, the rebooking policy is only in effect until March 6, 2026.
Topics From This Article to Explore
