Story perspectives

97,000 Canadians Stranded as Middle East Tensions Escalate

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

As of March 3, 2026, about 97,000 Canadians remain in the Middle East amid escalating U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran.
The escalation has caused widespread flight cancellations, including Air Canada halting flights to Israel and Dubai until March 22.
Austria, Lithuania, Poland, South Korea, and Thailand are evacuating their citizens from the region.
Thailand plans to transport 300 nationals overland via Turkey.
Poland has prepared planes for potential evacuations.

1 of 1

Story summary

As of March 3, 2026, about 97,000 Canadians remain in the Middle East amid escalating U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran.
The escalation has caused widespread flight cancellations, including Air Canada halting flights to Israel and Dubai until March 22.
Austria, Lithuania, Poland, South Korea, and Thailand are evacuating their citizens from the region.
Thailand plans to transport 300 nationals overland via Turkey.
Poland has prepared planes for potential evacuations.