• Government of Canada will transport people from Tel Aviv to Athens to connect with Air Canada repatriation flights operating October 13 and 14
• Travellers must contact Global Affairs Canada to obtain a special code to book these flights
• Air Canada to resume regular flights to Israel as soon as situation stabilizes

MONTREAL, Oct. 12, 2023 /CNW/ - Air Canada announced today that, in coordination with the Government of Canada, it will operate two special flights on October 13 and 14 from Athens to bring Canadians and permanent residents home from Israel. Through the arrangement, the Government of Canada is operating military flights from Tel Aviv to transport people to Athens, where they will then connect with Air Canada's special flights back to Toronto.

"Although safety considerations are unfortunately preventing us from operating our regular flights to Tel Aviv at present, we are supporting the Government of Canada in bringing Canadians home safely from Israel through these special repatriation flights. We continue to monitor the terrible events in Israel very closely and extend to its people our deepest condolences. We have flown to Israel since 1995 and it is a very important part of our network. Air Canada is committed to resuming commercial operations as soon as the situation stabilizes. I thank all employees involved across Air Canada for their tireless efforts in organizing these special flights," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive at Air Canada.

"We are deeply grateful for Air Canada's assistance in helping to bring Canadians home. We will continue to work around the clock to support Canadians and for those in the region who need assistance, please contact Global Affairs at sos@international.gc.ca," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"We know that this situation is difficult, and we've been working to find solutions to get Canadians home safely. I'd like to thank Air Canada, their pilots, crew members, and everyone involved in this effort. We'll continue to be there for Canadians and their loved ones who need help," said The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant.

What customers should do:

• Air Canada will operate two repatriation flights using a wide body aircraft with 300 seats, departing October 13 and 14 from Athens to Toronto
  
  
• Global Affairs Canada is coordinating local arrangements in Israel and will provide special codes for Canadians wishing to return home, therefore anyone wanting to board those flights should reach out to Global Affairs Canada first
  
  
• Air Canada customers with unused return tickets can exchange them for travel on the special repatriation flights to Toronto.
  
  
• Passengers without an existing ticket will be able to purchase one on the Air Canada website using the Government code.
  
  
• Canadians abroad should contact Global Affairs Canada for more information.

Air Canada has temporarily cancelled flights to Tel Aviv up to and including October 31, 2023. We are monitoring this dynamic situation very closely and will resume operations to Tel Aviv when the situation stabilizes. There is a goodwill policy in place to enable passengers flying to/from Tel Aviv to make changes to their travel, including options for a refund. Air Canada's normal schedule is 10 weekly flights from Canada to Tel Aviv from both Toronto (daily) and Montreal (3 times weekly).

Air Canada flight AC2021 is scheduled to arrive early Friday evening from Athens at Toronto-Pearson. For information on filming at Toronto-Pearson please see https://www.torontopearson.com/en/corporate/media/on-site-filming

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

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