#Canada #Toronto #Air Canada #Catania #Palma de Mallorca

Air Canada Expands International Flight Network for Summer 2026

On September 10, 2025, Air Canada announced plans to significantly expand its international flight network for the summer of 2026, effectively increasing its presence in Asia and Europe. With the launch of new direct flights and enhancements to existing services, the airline aims to cater to growing leisure travel demand and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the cargo sector.

New Routes and Seasonal Changes

Beginning next year, Air Canada will resume direct flights from Toronto to Budapest and Shanghai, enabling travelers to explore these vibrant cities with ease. In addition, the airline will increase the frequency of flights to Prague, further enhancing connectivity for passengers.

Montreal will witness the launch of entirely new routes, with flights to Catania in Italy's Sicily and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. These routes will be operated using the state-of-the-art A321XLR aircraft, designed to provide an outstanding travel experience. Notably, the Vancouver to Bangkok route, previously available only seasonally, will now operate year-round, reinforcing Air Canada’s position as the sole North American airline offering direct flights to Bangkok.

Strategic Insights from Air Canada Executives

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Air Canada, highlighted the ambitious growth strategy of the airline. "The expansion of our international routes reflects our commitment to strong growth. By leveraging our extensive network and scale, we aim to capture global demand trends such as leisure travel and increasing interest in Asian destinations, all while tapping into opportunities in our cargo business."

Galardo further elaborated on the importance of these new routes, stating, "This summer, we’re excited to launch appealing new services from our Atlantic hub in Montreal to Sicily and Mallorca, positioning Air Canada as the first Canadian airline to provide direct flights to these popular Mediterranean resorts, and the only carrier to operate regular services from Canada to these destinations."

For Toronto, the addition of flights to Shanghai and Budapest strengthens its status as a global hub connecting Canada’s largest metropolitan area to key cities worldwide. Additionally, the enhanced service to Prague will cater to the growing demand for travel to Central Europe.

Route Schedule for Summer 2026

The route to Prague will also see an increase in frequency, now operating four flights per week, enhancing the travel options available to passengers.

Innovative Aircraft for Enhanced Comfort

Air Canada is integrating the A321XLR aircraft into its fleet, which features a business class equipped with fully-flat seats, providing a remarkable level of comfort typically associated with wide-body aircraft. This new addition will symbolize a new standard in Air Canada’s in-flight experience, boasting 182 seats in total with 14 in Signature Class and 168 in Economy Class.

About Air Canada

As Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, Air Canada has been a cornerstone member since the inception of the Star Alliance, connecting over 180 destinations across six continents. The airline recently earned a four-star rating from Skytrax, marking its dedication to quality service. Air Canada also prides itself on a robust loyalty program, Aeroplan, which allows members to earn and redeem points with a wide range of partners across various sectors. The airline is determined to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

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