Air Canada expands routes to Asia, Europe, Latin America

New Vancouver to Guangzhou, China* year-round service

New Toronto to Oslo*, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; Nice, France

New Montréal to Basel, Switzerland; Dubrovnik, Croatia

Toronto to London Heathrow Day-tripper returns; Toronto to Shanghai increases to daily; new Toronto to Guatemala City flights to operate year-round

Extending Montréal to Tenerife, Lima and Guatemala City flights to year-round

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Canada today announced a significant expansion of its global network in Summer 2027 with the addition of five new international destinations and seven new routes, along with increased schedules on key markets.

From its Vancouver trans-Pacific hub, Air Canada will be launching year-round services to Guangzhou*, China. From its Toronto global hub, Air Canada will begin service to Oslo*, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France, while resuming the London Heathrow Daytripper, boosting its Shanghai flights to daily, and its new Guatemala City flights that begin this December will be year-round. From its Montréal trans-Atlantic hub, Air Canada will launch services to Basel, Switzerland; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, while its Tenerife, Lima and Guatemala City flights will extend to year-round.

These routes support Air Canada's long-term growth strategy that is expected to create more than 1,500 additional direct jobs by 2028, while growing the airline’s GDP contribution in Canada by over $7 billion per year.

“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. As Canada’s flag carrier, we are further investing to better connect and position our country as an important intersection of major international demand flows under our New Frontiers strategy. From the expansive trade hub in the Pearl River Delta to the relaxing Adriatic coastline, each of our five new destinations and many schedule enhancements support commerce and tourism and create exciting new opportunities for people to explore the world,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.

“Overall, our schedule reflects our commitment to championing Canada around the world, leveraging the opportunities enabled by a growing, next-generation fleet of Airbus A321XLR and wide-body aircraft, the far-reaching networks we have built at our three Canadian hubs, and the continued loyalty of our customers and Aeroplan Members. Importantly, our strategy and growth support jobs and trade, connects people and bridges 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,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

For summer 2027, Air Canada plans to operate more than 125 international routes, representing up to 169,000 seats weekly from Canada to more than 85 international destinations across the Atlantic, Pacific, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This represents a more than eight per cent increase in available seat miles in these regions over summer 2026.

Comments from Stakeholders

“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. New routes deepen Canada’s ties abroad and create real opportunities here at home,” said The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

“Our government recently visited Guangzhou as part of our work to diversify trade around the world and promoted our strengths – our world-class ports and airports, clean energy and abundant resources. This new direct flight makes it faster and easier to do business with one of China’s largest economic hubs, helping to strengthen the economic ties between us during a time of global uncertainty,” said B.C. Premier David Eby.

“Air Canada’s further expansion at Toronto Pearson reflects the strength of partnership and Pearson’s position in connecting Canada to the world,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “The airline’s new service to Oslo, Shannon and Nice, along with enhanced connectivity to other key international destinations, strengthens vital links to global markets. Simply put, this gives passengers more choice. As Canada’s largest international hub, Toronto Pearson supports the movement of people, goods and investment that drive economic growth across Ontario and the country. We are excited for this expansion of connectivity that unlocks new opportunities for passengers, businesses and communities.”

“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome these new routes from Montréal, which further reinforce our airport’s role as a key aviation hub and Québec’s international gateway. Beyond expanding travel options for passengers, the growth of our valued partner’s network will enhance Montréal’s global connectivity and help drive the metropolitan region’s economic and tourism development. ADM is proud to continue working alongside Air Canada to expand its network and strengthen Montréal’s position on the world stage, for the benefit of our entire community,” said Karl Brochu, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Services Development at ADM.

“As Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, YVR connects our economy to global markets," said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. "Air Canada’s new non-stop service to Guangzhou further strengthens opportunities for our region, building on YVR's role as a key Trans-Pacific hub and the growing demand for travel and trade between Canada, China, and Asia Pacific more broadly."

Air Canada’s New Route Schedules**

Vancouver’s newest link to China’s commercial and culinary hub - Representing Air Canada’s third destination in mainland China, Air Canada is the only North American carrier to serve Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province in the Pearl River Delta, a leading region for manufacturing and high-tech innovation in China. Air Canada is the leading carrier between Canada and mainland China, with up to 24 weekly frequencies to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Flights to Guangzhou will operate onboard the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet featuring Air Canada Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, and will connect conveniently at its Vancouver trans-Pacific hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Toronto to Norway’s Viking fjords - Air Canada is a leading North America airline in Scandinavia serving three destinations, Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, and is the only North American airline with non-stop flights to Norway. Air Canada’s Oslo flights will be operated onboard its new Airbus A321XLR fleet featuring two cabins including the premium Air Canada Signature cabin with lie-flat seats. Flights have been scheduled to connect conveniently at its Toronto global hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Toronto to Shannon and the Wild Atlantic Way - Shannon represents Air Canada’s second destination in Ireland, complementing the airline’s long-standing services to Dublin. Air Canada is the only airline to offer non-stop service between Canada and Shannon, home of Ireland’s renowned, magnificent west coast. Air Canada’s Shannon flights will be operated onboard its new Airbus A321XLR fleet featuring two cabins including the premium Air Canada Signature cabin with lie-flat seats. Flights have been scheduled to connect conveniently at its Toronto global hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Toronto to the French Riviera - Air Canada is the only airline with non-stop service linking Toronto to Nice, and these services complement the airline’s long-standing Montréal-Nice services for a combined daily service to France’s top summer vacation spot and one of Europe’s leading beach destinations. Air Canada’s Toronto-Nice flights will be operated onboard its Airbus A330-300 fleet featuring Air Canada Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, connecting convenient at its Toronto global hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Montréal to Basel and the heart of Europe - Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier with a premium lie-flat business product to serve Basel, a city with banking and pharmaceutical industries with proximity to France, located on the banks of the Rhine River. Air Canada is the only North American airline to serve all three major cities in Switzerland: Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Air Canada’s Basel flights will be operated onboard its new Airbus A321XLR fleet featuring two cabins including the premium Air Canada Signature cabin with lie-flat seats. Flights have been scheduled to connect conveniently at its Montréal trans-Atlantic hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Montréal to the Pearl of the Adriatic coast - Air Canada will be the only Canadian carrier with a premium, lie-flat business class product to Dubrovnik and the Croatian Riviera, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic for its renowned coastline and archipelagoes, Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor. With strong premium leisure travel demand, Air Canada’s flights will be operated onboard its Boeing 787 Dreamliners featuring Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Air Canada’s Dubrovnik flights will connect at its Montréal trans-Atlantic hub to a multitude of destinations across North America.

Flights are now available for purchase at aircanada.com , through Air Canada Contact Centres and via travel agents.

*subject to government approvals **schedules are subject to change

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. Headquartered in Montréal, 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, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of more than 50 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers a selection of vacation and Flight & Hotel packages, tours, cruises, car rentals, and experiences. 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 (AC).

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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments relating to guidance, strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Forward-looking statements are identified using terms and phrases such as "preliminary"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "could"; "estimate"; "expect"; "intend"; "may"; "plan"; "predict"; "project"; "will"; "would"; and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions including those described herein and are subject to important risks and uncertainties, which are amplified in the current environment. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business of Air Canada. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed below.

Factors that may cause results to differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements include economic conditions, statements or actions by governments and uncertainty relating to the imposition of (or threats to impose) tariffs on Canadian exports or imports and their resulting impacts on the Canadian, North American and global economies and travel demand, geopolitical conditions such as the military conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, Air Canada’s ability to successfully achieve or sustain positive net profitability, industry and market conditions and the demand environment, competition, Air Canada’s dependence on technology, cybersecurity risks, interruptions of service, climate change and environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena and factors arising from anthropogenic sources), Air Canada’s dependence on key suppliers (including government agencies and other stakeholders supporting airport and airline operations), employee and labour relations and costs, Air Canada’s ability to successfully implement appropriate strategic and other important initiatives (including Air Canada’s ability to manage operating costs), energy prices, Air Canada’s ability to pay its indebtedness and maintain or increase liquidity, Air Canada’s dependence on regional and other carriers, Air Canada’s ability to attract and retain required personnel, epidemic diseases, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, terrorist acts, war, Air Canada’s ability to successfully operate its loyalty program, casualty losses, Air Canada’s dependence on Star Alliance® and joint ventures, Air Canada’s ability to preserve and grow its brand, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties, currency exchange fluctuations, limitations due to restrictive covenants, insurance issues and costs, and pension plan obligations as well as the factors identified in Air Canada’s public disclosure file available at www.sedarplus.ca and, in particular, those identified in section 18 “Risk Factors” of Air Canada’s 2025 MD&A.

Air Canada has and continues to establish targets, make commitments and assess the impact regarding climate change, and related initiatives, plans and proposals that Air Canada and other stakeholders (including government, regulatory and other bodies) are pursuing in relation to climate change and carbon emissions. The achievement of our commitments and targets depends on many factors, including the combined actions of governments, industry, suppliers and other stakeholders and actors, as well as the development and implementation of new technologies. In particular, our 2030 carbon emission-related targets and our related 2050 aspiration are ambitious and heavily dependent on new technologies, renewable energies and the availability of a sufficient supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which continues to present serious challenges. In addition, Air Canada has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, costs to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions and to comply with environmental sustainability legislation and regulation and other standards and accords. The precise nature of future binding or non-binding legislation, regulation, standards and accords, on which local and international stakeholders are increasingly focusing, cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, nor can their financial, operational or other impact. There can be no assurance of the extent to which any of our climate goals will be achieved or that any future investments that we make in furtherance of achieving our climate goals will produce the expected results or meet increasing stakeholder environmental, social and governance expectations. Moreover, future events could lead Air Canada to prioritize other nearer-term interests over progressing toward our current climate goals based on business strategy, economic, regulatory and social factors, and potential pressure from investors, activist groups or other stakeholders. If we are unable to meet or properly report on our progress toward achieving our climate change goals and commitments, we could face adverse publicity and reactions from investors, customers, advocacy groups or other stakeholders, which could result in reputational harm or other adverse effects to Air Canada.

The forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30f6f3bf-7ba8-4cf9-8715-3294b8730ec4

GlobeNewswire

September 3, 2026 - 6:00 AM PDT

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