• New Montréal – Catania, Italy
• New Montréal – Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Return of Toronto–Shanghai; Toronto–Budapest
• Extension of Vancouver–Bangkok to year-round

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 10, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced its international network for Summer 2026 with new destinations taking flight in Europe and Asia. Beginning next year, the airline will launch new routes from Montréal to Catania in Sicily, Italy and, as unveiled yesterday, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. From Toronto, Air Canada re-establishes non-stop flights to Shanghai and Budapest, and increases flights to Prague. Air Canada’s popular seasonal Vancouver-Bangkok route will now become year-round, strengthening the airline’s position as the only North American carrier offering direct, non-stop service to the Thai capital.

“Air Canada’s continued international expansion reflects our bold ambitions, and leverages our network reach and scale to capitalize on global travel demand driven by leisure travel trends, growing demand for services to Asia, and cargo development opportunities. Next summer, we will be launching exciting, new services to Sicily and Mallorca from our Montréal trans-Atlantic hub. Air Canada is the first Canadian carrier to offer customers non-stop flights to these sought after Mediterranean destinations, and the only airline operating scheduled service from Canada to Sicily and Mallorca,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.

“From Toronto, we are further cementing our global hub with the launch of two celebrated, international routes linking Canada’s largest metropolitan area directly to Shanghai and Budapest, and adding capacity to Prague. Our seasonal Bangkok services from our Vancouver trans-Pacific hub become year-round, solidifying our position as the only airline with non-stop, continual service to Thailand from the North American continent. In all, these strategic additions reinforce Air Canada’s global network as one of the most wide-reaching from North America, connecting our customers to all six inhabited continents,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

“Canadians will enjoy more travel options, greater convenience, and stronger connections to Europe and Asia with Air Canada’s new destinations in 2026. These expanded routes mean easier access to the places people want to go—whether for business, leisure, or to visit family. And as more passengers take flight, they promote trade and tourism, supporting jobs across the country, and helping us grow a stronger Canadian economy,” said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland , Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.

“Air Canada’s expanded network is more than new destinations—it’s a gateway to stronger trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Most of Canada’s air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, so when we expand passenger routes, we’re also expanding trade routes—moving Canadian goods faster, farther, and more reliably. These new connections to Europe and Asia give Canadian businesses better access to key markets, strengthen our global competitiveness, and build on what was already a record year for Canadian air cargo. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground, and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy,” said the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada.

Air Canada’s new route schedules*:

Additional capacity:

About Air Canada 

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Air Canada begins relaunching flights so customers can travel again

• First departures are AC009 from Toronto to Tokyo-Narita, AC556 from Vancouver to Los Angeles and AC489 from Montreal to Toronto
• 155 flights scheduled to depart today from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver across North America and to Europe, Asia, South Pacific
• Exceptional disruption policy to be implemented to cover transport expenses

MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ – With the departures of AC009 from Toronto to Tokyo-Narita, AC556 from Vancouver to Los Angeles and AC489 from Montreal to Toronto, Air Canada resumed operations today to get Canadians moving again. The three flights were the first of 155 scheduled for the day as the airline gradually resumes service, beginning with a limited number of international flights this evening. This will gradually increase as the airline restores service in Canada, the U.S. and around the world over the coming days.

“We’re laser-focused on getting our customers moving again. Restoring global operations will take up to ten days, as aircraft and crew are out of position. Additionally, mandatory maintenance checks are required, as aircraft have been on the ground for more than three days. Regrettably, during this period some flights will be canceled until the schedule is stabilized, and we’ll notify customers well in advance and provide options,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, at Air Canada.

“When customers buy a ticket on Air Canada, we are making a commitment to deliver them safely and on schedule. Following this disruption, we know confidence has been shaken. We’re working hard to fully restore their trust, starting by getting customers on their way again. To do that, we will be introducing an exceptional policy tomorrow, towards covering transportation expenses which customers may have incurred to get to their destination during this disruption. As well, we’ve created a dashboard on our website so anyone can transparently track our progress as our operations return to normal. We look forward to welcoming our customers and flight attendants back onboard,” concluded Mr. Nasr.

Air Canada’s recovery dashboard is available now at www.aircanada.com/action. The airline’s exceptional disruption policy will be available beginning August 20, 2025 at www.aircanada.com/action.

As Air Canada ramps up, customers should only go to the airport if they hold a confirmed booking, and their flights show as operating. Flight status can be checked on aircanada.com or on the Air Canada app. Those with cancelled flights can obtain a full refund, a travel credit, or, ask to be rebooked on our Star Alliance partners or other airlines, although capacity is limited due to peak summer travel. To assist in the rebooking process, Air Canada has designated 5,000 agents to assist customers in finding alternative travel. More information for customers about travel options including an FAQ is at:  www.aircanada.com/action. 

Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz or PAL continue to operate as normal.

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

• Four non-stop flights weekly to Lima, two each from Montreal and Toronto
• First Canadian carrier offering non-stop service- to Mexico’s buzzworthy Puerto Escondido from Toronto and a new route to Tepic, Riviera Nayarit from Vancouver
• Weekly non-stop flights from Montreal to Belize

MONTREAL, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced it is further expanding its winter 2025-26 network by resuming non-stop service to Lima, Peru with twice weekly flights from both Montreal and Toronto. The airline is also adding three new routes to Central America and Mexico including, Montreal-Belize, Toronto-Puerto Escondido*, and Vancouver-Tepic, Riviera Nayarit*, building on its recent Latin America expansion announcement. Flights are now available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.

“Air Canada is further diversifying its global network this winter under its New Frontiers Strategy by capitalizing on strong leisure demand to sought-after vacation destinations in South and Central America and in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Pacific coast areas. Our new flights are designed to provide easy connections for both Canadian and European travellers, as well as to take advantage of cargo opportunities in the region,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.

“Customers will have even more compelling choices when planning vacation travel this winter. From Peru’s rich history and archaeological ruins, the legendary Belize Barrier Reef, or Mexico’s vibrant and rapidly emerging hidden gem vacation spots, Air Canada is proud to bring new and exciting destinations for our customers to explore. We look forward to welcoming you onboard our award-winning airline soon,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

Air Canada’s newest Mexico routes are opening doors to some of the country’s buzzworthy and under the radar vacation destinations. Puerto Escondido, nestled along Oaxaca’s stunning Pacific coast, is a laid-back surf haven renowned for its golden beaches and extraordinary waves. With new direct flights from Toronto, this bohemian paradise will now be within easy reach for Canadian travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path charm.

On Mexico’s western coast, Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Tepic, Riviera Nayarit service opens a fresh gateway to the Riviera Nayarit—timed perfectly with the completion of a new highway linking Tepic to Puerto Vallarta in October 2025. Oceanfront gems such as artistic San Pancho, surf-friendly Sayulita, and upscale Punta Mita will be within a convenient 30-minute to one-hour drive from Tepic’s airport. This new route offers travellers an alternative point of access to explore the vibrant landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural tapestry that make Nayarit one of Mexico’s most captivating regions.

This winter, Air Canada will offer over 80,000 weekly seats on more than 55 daily flights to 52 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, representing the greatest number of sun destinations the airline has served.

Air Canada’s flights to Peru:

Air Canada’s new Central America and Mexico winter routes:

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada’s TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

Read our annual report Here