Air Canada is set to enhance its international network with exciting new routes for summer 2026. Announced on September 10, the airline’s expansion includes direct flights connecting Montreal to Sicily and year-round service between Vancouver and Bangkok, significantly bolstering its presence in Europe and Asia.
New Routes to Europe
Starting next summer, travelers will benefit from direct flights from Montreal (YUL) to Catania (CTA) in Sicily, Italy. This marks a first for Air Canada, making it the one and only Canadian airline to provide non-stop service to this coveted Mediterranean destination. Additionally, a new route from Montreal to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, will also commence as part of Air Canada’s transatlantic offerings.
From Toronto (YYZ), Air Canada will reinstate its non-stop route to Shanghai (PVG), responding to high demand while circumventing Russian airspace. This route had been absent since February 2020, and its revival is a significant move for the airline. The airline is also resuming non-stop service to Budapest (BUD) and increasing flights to Prague (PRG) from three to four weekly flights.
Expanding Asian Connectivity
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of the Toronto-Shanghai route. During a recent interview, he stated, "The demand for flights between Toronto and Asia is massive." The new flight path allows Air Canada to navigate around Russian airspace, facilitating a smoother travel experience for passengers.
Moreover, the Vancouver-Bangkok route will transition to a year-round service, further establishing Air Canada as the only North American airline providing non-stop flights to Thailand.
Additional Exciting Destinations
The summer schedule also includes service to various destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, expanding options for leisure travelers. New routes will connect Toronto to places like Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, Lima, Guadeloupe, and Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
Focus on North American Routes
Interestingly, no new flights to the U.S. are in the cards for summer 2026, a departure from typical patterns, attributed to ongoing political tensions. Airline officials have mentioned that overall capacity between Canada and the U.S. will remain approximately 10% lower compared to previous years.
Air Canada’s Commitment to Expansion
Galardo articulated Air Canada’s commitment to seize global travel opportunities by declaring, "Our continued international expansion reflects our bold ambitions, leveraging our network reach to capitalize on leisure travel trends and growing demand for services to Asia."
Travelers can look forward to these exciting new services that will soon connect them to sought-after destinations.
New Route Schedule:
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Days of Operation | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC 932 | Montreal (YUL) | Catania (CTA) | 19:35 | 10:15 +1day | Tue, Thu, Sat | Jun 4 – Oct. 22, 2026 |
| AC 933 | Catania (CTA) | Montreal (YUL) | 11:50 | 15:20 | Wed, Fri, Sun | Jun 5 – Oct. 23, 2026 |
| AC 924 | Montreal (YUL) | Mallorca (PMI) | 18:45 | 08:25 +1 day | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Jun 17 – Oct. 23, 2026 |
| AC 925 | Mallorca (PMI) | Montreal (YUL) | 12:15 | 15:10 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Jun 18 – Oct. 24, 2026 |
| AC 942 | Toronto (YYZ) | Budapest (BUD) | 21:55 | 11:25 +1 day | Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Jun 5 – Oct. 23, 2026 |
| AC 943 | Budapest (BUD) | Toronto (YYZ) | 13:15 | 15:15 | Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Jun 6 – Oct. 24, 2026 |
| AC 27 | Toronto (YYZ) | Shanghai (PVG) | 12:45 | 16:20 +1 day | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Starts June 3 year-round |
| AC 28 | Shanghai (PVG) | Toronto (YYZ) | 18:00 | 19:55 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Starts June 4 year-round |
| AC 65 | Vancouver (YVR) | Bangkok (BKK) | 23:20 | 05:15 +2 days | Mon, Wed, Sat | Year-round |
| AC 66 | Bangkok (BKK) | Vancouver (YVR) | 07:15 | 06:50 | Mon, Wed, Fri | Year-round |
*Schedules are subject to change.
Additional Capacity
Air Canada will also increase capacity during peak seasons, including an additional flight on the Toronto to Prague route, ramping up from three to four weekly flights.
All flight details and booking options are available through Air Canada or via Air Canada contact centers.
