TORONTO, June 26, 2026 – The Canadian government has issued a global travel risk advisory, warning that tensions in the Middle East are affecting international fuel supplies, air transportation and security conditions in some destinations. Even travellers who are not visiting or transiting through the Middle East may experience flight delays, rerouting or cancellations. People planning summer travel abroad, family visits, studies or connections through third countries should note that itinerary changes may result in additional airfare, accommodation, meal and transportation expenses, while travel insurance may not cover losses caused by fuel shortages or regional conflict.
The Canadian government said the current situation could lead to fuel shortages or temporary rationing measures in some countries and regions, affecting local public transportation, the movement of goods, essential services and travellers’ departure arrangements.
Airlines may also adjust routes, reduce flight frequencies or change stopover locations at short notice because of fuel supplies, airspace restrictions or security risks. Some flights may need to avoid certain airspace, potentially resulting in longer travel times, missed connections or cancellations.
The government warned that these changes may occur with little notice. Travellers should reconfirm their flight status with the airline or travel service provider before leaving Canada, before arriving at a connecting destination and when preparing to return to Canada. They should not rely only on the original itinerary received at the time of booking.
Connecting passengers should also review travel advisories for their final destination and every transit location. Even if the risk level for the final destination has not increased, security conditions, fuel supplies or airspace restrictions near a connecting airport may still affect the entire journey.
Travel insurance is an important part of the advisory. The Canadian government recommends that travellers confirm whether their policies include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delays and emergency accommodation. They should also carefully review coverage limits, claim deadlines and exclusions.
Some travel insurance policies may not cover expenses caused by war, regional conflict, government travel advisories or fuel shortages. Travellers should ask their insurance providers directly whether rebooking, hotel, meal and ground transportation costs resulting from a cancelled flight are covered, and should keep the response in writing whenever possible.
Travellers who purchase airline tickets with a credit card should not assume that the card’s included insurance provides complete coverage. Some credit cards require the full ticket price to be paid with the card and impose restrictions related to accompanying family members, trip duration, reasons for cancellation and claim deadlines.
If an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight, travellers should first ask about rebooking, alternative flights or refund arrangements. They should keep airline notices, tickets, and receipts for accommodation and meals. Airline obligations and travel insurance compensation operate under different systems, and the actual outcome will depend on the reason for the disruption, the fare type and the terms of the insurance policy.
People who take medication regularly should carry enough to cover possible return delays and comply with the destination’s rules for bringing prescription drugs into the country. Travellers should also keep additional funds available so that they can afford temporary accommodation, transportation or replacement tickets if a flight is cancelled.
The government also recommends registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so travellers can receive notifications during emergencies in their destination. However, registration does not mean the government will arrange an evacuation and does not replace travel insurance.
The Canadian government warned that people travelling to areas under an “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” advisory are responsible for the related risks and expenses. If travellers become stranded abroad, consular officials may provide information and necessary assistance, but they generally will not pay for accommodation, transportation or replacement airline tickets.
The advisory does not mean that every international flight will be affected. However, during the peak summer travel period, passengers should continue monitoring flight information and travel advisories, verify their insurance coverage, and prepare alternative routes and emergency funds in advance.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
