Israel Tourism Set for Recovery as Air Canada Restarts...

Direct transatlantic travel between Canada and Israel will return on January 17, 2027, as Air Canada restarts its four-times-weekly service from Toronto Pearson to Tel Aviv. The planned return of the Toronto–Tel Aviv route marks a significant milestone in rebuilding international air connections to Israel, where tourism has faced major challenges due to regional instability and reduced airline operations.

Rebuilding the Transatlantic Corridor to Ben Gurion Airport

Air Canada's planned service will link Toronto Pearson, one of North America's busiest aviation hubs, directly with Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's primary international gateway. The restoration of this route will provide direct access to Tel Aviv's historic landmarks, religious destinations, and business centers, eliminating the need for passengers to rely on connecting flights through European transit points.

While this connectivity supports tourism recovery, the planned restart remains dependent on the wider regional situation. Air Canada and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAA) continue to monitor security conditions, and schedules may be adjusted if operational concerns emerge.

North American Carriers Resume Tel Aviv Services

The Toronto service is part of a broader restoration trend among major North American airlines preparing to return to the Israeli market:

Delta Air Lines: Scheduled to restart daily non-stop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv from September 2026. Delta also plans to resume Atlanta–Tel Aviv flights during the winter season.
United Airlines: Preparing to restore Newark–Tel Aviv operations with twice-daily flights beginning in September 2026. United is also expected to restore routes connecting Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles with Tel Aviv.
American Airlines: Preparing to return to the New York (JFK)–Tel Aviv route in 2027, adding another major carrier to the market.

Israeli Airlines Expand International Route Capacity

Israeli carriers are also expanding their global footprint as aviation networks recover. EL AL Israel Airlines is expanding its North American network with plans to introduce direct service between San Francisco International Airport and Tel Aviv, providing a new option for West Coast travelers.

Concurrently, Israeli low-cost airline Israir is preparing to enter the U.S. market with planned operations from New York, creating additional competition and choice for budget-conscious passengers.

These combined expansions will significantly increase seat availability and offer travelers greater flexibility. Tourism officials from the Israel Ministry of Tourism view the return of these routes as a positive sign that international travel connections are gradually stabilizing.

Carbon-Offsetting Direct Flights and Supporting Local Communities

Direct flights play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of long-haul travel. By eliminating intermediate layovers, direct flights reduce the extra takeoffs and landings that consume the most jet fuel, lowering the overall carbon footprint per passenger. Travelers are encouraged to offset their emissions through projects supported by local environmental organizations.

To directly support the regional economy, international visitors can choose locally owned boutique accommodations and dine at kibbutz-operated agricultural cooperatives that supply organic, farm-to-table produce. Supporting local tour guides and small businesses in historic districts like Jaffa helps distribute tourism revenue directly to resident communities.

Insider Destination Advice for Tel Aviv Travelers

Local tourism specialists suggest several key tips for navigating transit and exploring Tel Aviv:

Respect Shabbat Closure Windows: Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. During this period, public buses and trains do not operate, and many shops close. Plan your airport transit in advance, and use local ride-hailing apps like Gett to book private taxis.
Observe Off-Peak Travel Windows: The best time to visit Tel Aviv is during the late autumn (mid-October to November) or early spring (March to April) when temperatures are mild, and tourist attractions are less crowded.
Sample Local Culinary Specialties: Visit Jaffa to try authentic Shakshuka (eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce) or enjoy fresh Hummus and Falafel at local family-owned eateries like Abu Hassan.
Explore Under-the-Radar Spots: Take an early morning walk through the historic alleys of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood for quiet photography opportunities. For a day trip, visit the ancient ruins of Apollonia National Park, which sit on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea just north of Herzliya.
Stay Informed of Safety Advisories: Regional travel conditions remain highly variable. The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Israel. Travelers should review official advisories from Transport Canada before scheduling trips.

FAQ: Toronto–Tel Aviv Flights Resume

When will Air Canada restart flights from Toronto to Tel Aviv? Air Canada is scheduled to resume flights between Toronto Pearson and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport starting January 17, 2027.

How often will the Toronto–Tel Aviv flight operate? The service will operate four times a week, providing a direct connection between the two aviation hubs.

Which U.S. airlines are returning to Tel Aviv? Delta Air Lines is resuming daily flights from New York JFK in September 2026, while United Airlines is returning with twice-daily flights from Newark Liberty in September 2026. American Airlines plans to return to the JFK–Tel Aviv market in 2027.

What is the best way to handle transportation during Shabbat in Tel Aviv? Because public transit is suspended from Friday evening to Saturday evening, travelers should use private ride-hailing apps like Gett or pre-arranged private shuttle services for airport transit.