Air Canada has temporarily disabled the moving map functionality on its Boeing 737 MAX twinjets after passengers reported a controversial change, observing the name "Israel" had been replaced with the words "Palestinian Territories." This adjustment came to light following passenger observations during flights, particularly on the route from Vancouver to Montreal, prompting outrage and social media discussions.
The airline confirmed the change on March 10, 2025, addressing the matter through several platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter). An Air Canada spokesperson stated, "Air Canada has been made aware of a display issue with the interactive map on the IFE systems of its B737 aircraft. The issue has affected other carriers using the same system and we are working with the third-party provider on a remedy." This incident occurred during flights on which passengers shared images of the altered map, leading to significant reactions online.
Given the sensitivity surrounding territorial designations, this adjustment has not only raised eyebrows among passengers but has also pointed to broader issues concerning the portrayal of Israel and Palestine on maps used by airlines. The issue reportedly stems from the embedded inflight entertainment system provided by Thales, which is responsible for the interactive maps across multiple airlines, not just Air Canada. Thales could not be reached for immediate comment on the situation.
This scenario isn't unique to Air Canada. Last year, JetBlue faced similar backlash when their interactive maps labeled Israel incorrectly, which led to public outcry and prompted the airline to switch map vendors after acknowledging the error. The U.S. carrier stated, "after careful review," they decided to transition to a new provider, reflecting concerns over such issues.
Air Canada spokespersons indicated this mapping problem is currently being addressed, though they haven’t disclosed the identity of the third-party company responsible for the erroneous display. With this incident, the airline has had to confront the potential fallout, especially as it prepares to resume flights to Israel by June 2025, after suspensions due to security concerns.
Passengers and politicians alike have emphasized the importance of keeping sensitive geopolitical issues front and center, especially when presented to the public via inflight entertainment. The air travel industry continually grapples with how best to navigate these topics, as maps can sometimes inadvertently influence perceptions.
Air Canada is taking steps to correct the interactive map error, ensuring such technicalities do not overshadow the company's core mission of providing safe and inclusive travel experiences. It remains to be seen how effectively they will manage the situation as they work with the technology provider to prevent similar incidents from arising.
This incident has sparked broader discussions about accuracy and representation on inflight maps, putting airlines under scrutiny as public sentiment evolves and awareness of these sensitive subjects increases. With the ever-changing nature of international relations, industry players must remain vigilant to avoid missteps leading to public relations challenges.
Air Canada has stated its commitment to working through these issues and will update passengers as soon as fixes are implemented, reaffirming their dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction.