Ottawa: Air Canada has officially suspended its flight services between Toronto and Dubai until at least May 1, citing the deteriorating security situation and rising unrest across West Asia. The airline indicated that operations will only recommence once a "safe passage" for its aircraft can be guaranteed.

To assist travelers affected by the regional disruption, the carrier is increasing its flight frequency and seat availability to Delhi. In a statement shared on X, the airline clarified: "Due to unrest in the Middle East, our Toronto-Dubai flights are cancelled until at least May 1. We plan to reintroduce service gradually when flights can safely resume. We continue to add capacity to Delhi to provide travellers with options to Canada."
 

Indian carriers maintain regional presence

While international airlines adjust their routes, Air India and Air India Express are continuing extensive operations in the region. On March 14, the two carriers are scheduled to operate 80 flights. Their itinerary includes 10 flights to Jeddah—with Air India running round-trips from Delhi and Mumbai—and eight scheduled services to Muscat via Air India Express from cities including Delhi, Kochi and Kozhikode.

Furthermore, the group plans to operate 62 non-scheduled flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, depending on slot availability and local conditions.

Evacuations and airspace restrictions

The regional crisis, triggered by a series of missile and drone strikes, has led to major airspace closures. The Indian Embassy in Doha recently noted that Qatar's airspace remains only "partially open”, leading to limited operations. Despite these hurdles, nearly 500 Indian nationals successfully traveled from Qatar to various destinations on Qatar Airways.

The escalating conflict has not only disrupted aviation but also impacted global energy corridors, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply typically flows.

ANI