Air Canada Expands Route Network for Summer 2026
Air Canada has announced a significant expansion of its international network scheduled for the summer of 2026. This expansion includes new as well as returning routes across Europe and an increase in services to Asia. The announcement aligns with Air Canada’s efforts to capitalize on the increasing international travel demand following the lifting of travel restrictions.
New and Returning Routes
- From Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to destinations such as Catania, Budapest, and Bangkok
- Resumption of routes to Shanghai
Transatlantic Expansion
Air Canada’s focus remains on Europe for its 2026 summer schedule, launching three new routes primarily from Montreal:
- Montreal to Catania, Italy: Thrice weekly, June 4 to October 22, 2026, via Boeing 787
- Montreal to Mallorca, Spain: Four times weekly, June 17 to October 23, 2026, operated by Airbus A321XLR
The new route from Toronto to Budapest makes Air Canada the second North American airline to serve Hungary’s capital alongside American Airlines. Flights to Prague will increase from three to four times weekly.
Transpacific Network Changes
Two main adjustments mark Air Canada’s Asian routes for summer 2026:
- Returning flights from Toronto to Shanghai
- Year-round service from Vancouver to Bangkok, maintaining thrice weekly frequencies with the Boeing 787-9
| Origin | Destination | Flight Number | Aircraft Type | Frequency | Change From 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | Catania | AC 932 | Boeing 787-9 | Three times per week | New route |
| Montreal | Mallorca | AC 924 | Airbus A321XLR | Four times per week | New route |
| Vancouver | Bangkok | AC 65 | Boeing 787-9 | Three times per week | Winter seasonal to year-round |
| Toronto | Shanghai | AC 27 | Boeing 787-9 | Four times per week | New route |
| Toronto | Budapest | AC 942 | Boeing 787-9 | Four times per week | New route |
| Toronto | Prague | AC 934 | Airbus A330-300 | Four times per week | One new weekly flight |
Network Implications
New destinations like Mallorca and Catania are aimed at rising leisure travel demands, achievable due to the size and efficiency of the A321XLR aircraft. Bangkok is also emphasized for its strong leisure demand, leveraging Air Canada’s unique market position as the only carrier offering nonstop flights between North America and Thailand. The Shanghai route’s resumption marks a gradual return to pre-pandemic travel levels.
Air Canada at a Glance
- IATA Code: AC
- ICAO Code: ACA
- Airline Type: Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s): Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International Airports
- Year Founded: 1937
