Air Canada to Add Five New International Destinations in Summer 2027

Air Canada is set to expand its global network significantly with the addition of five new international destinations and seven new routes in its Summer 2027 schedule, marking the most extensive intercontinental expansion in the airline's history. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity and support the airline's long-term growth plans.

The expansion includes year-round flights from Vancouver to Guangzhou, China, and new routes from Toronto to Oslo, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France. Air Canada will also resume the Toronto to London Heathrow Day-tripper service, boost its Shanghai flights to daily operations, and introduce new flights to Guatemala City that will operate year-round. From its Montréal hub, Air Canada will launch services to Basel, Switzerland; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Additionally, the airline will extend its year-round flights to Tenerife, Lima, and Guatemala City.

These new routes are expected to create more than 1,500 additional direct jobs by 2028 and contribute over $7 billion annually to Canada's GDP. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada, emphasized the significance of these new services: "Summer 2027 marks the most extensive intercontinental expansion in Air Canada’s history, cementing our position as the second largest North American carrier by global destinations served."

Galardo added, "Our strategy and growth support jobs and trade, connect people, and bridge the six inhabited continents via Canada. With more new aircraft arriving shortly, expect even more exciting network announcements and details regarding our initial Boeing 787-10 operations from Air Canada in the coming months."

The new routes will significantly enhance Air Canada's offerings across the Atlantic, Pacific, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. For the summer of 2027, the airline plans to operate more than 125 international routes, representing up to 169,000 seats weekly to over 85 international destinations. This represents an increase of more than eight percent in available seat miles in these regions compared to the previous year.

The expansion is supported by Air Canada's strategic position at its three Canadian hubs: Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal. Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson, noted, "Air Canada’s new service to Oslo, Shannon, and Nice, along with enhanced connectivity to other key international destinations, strengthens vital links to global markets. This gives passengers more choice and supports the movement of people, goods, and investment that drive economic growth across Ontario and the country."

Karl Brochu, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development at ADM Aéroports de Montréal, expressed enthusiasm about the new routes: "The growth of Air Canada’s network will enhance Montréal’s global connectivity and help drive the metropolitan region’s economic and tourism development."

Air Canada’s new services will operate on a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A321XLR. The airline’s new routes will serve as gateways to diverse destinations, from the Pearl River Delta in Guangzhou to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords in Oslo, and the historic Dubrovnik coast in Croatia.

The expansion is backed by the Canadian government and local authorities. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, stated, "Every new international route added reinforces Canada’s role as a global gateway and strengthens the connections that help build a strong Canada. Expanded connectivity gives Canadian travellers greater access to the world, helps our businesses reach new markets, and brings more visitors to communities across the country."

These new services are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents. Air Canada is committed to maintaining its position as a key player in the global aviation industry, connecting people, and driving economic growth.