Canadians rush home from the Middle East as Iran war enters week two, with thousands seeking government-assisted flights to safety.
Surge of Canadians Return Amid Middle East Tensions
TORONTO — As the war in Iran marks its first week, more Canadians are arriving at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, fleeing escalating conflict in the Middle East.
On Saturday, passengers landed from an Emirates flight departing Dubai. The Canadian government had secured 51 seats on the flight, helping citizens safely exit the region before Dubai Airports temporarily halted operations due to nearby safety concerns. Some reports even noted an explosion near the busy travel hub.
Government Steps Up Evacuation Efforts
Canada has reserved hundreds of additional seats on flights out of the Middle East as the conflict, triggered last Saturday by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, spreads to neighbouring Gulf states.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that more than 108,000 Canadians in the region are registered with Global Affairs Canada. Of those, about 3,500 have formally requested government assistance to leave.
The Journey Home Is Stressful
Those who touched down in Toronto described their trips as long and tense. “It was nerve-wracking trying to get on a flight with so much uncertainty,” said one returning passenger.
With tensions rising and travel hubs under pressure, Canadians continue to rely on government coordination to navigate a complex evacuation process. Authorities urge anyone in the Middle East to register with Global Affairs Canada and follow travel advisories closely.
