Air Canada will launch seven new direct international routes in the summer of 2027, including five new destinations, operating from its hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. This expansion is set to significantly increase the airline’s global network.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The new routes and schedule increases are expected to create 1,500 new jobs by 2028. Additionally, Air Canada estimates the expansion will contribute more than $7 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product.
Route Details and New Destinations
New year-round service will launch between Vancouver and Guangzhou, China, pending government approval. This route will connect Vancouver to the commercial and culinary hub of Guangzhou and make Air
Canada the only North American airline to serve this city.
From Toronto, Air Canada will begin nonstop flights to Oslo, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France. The Oslo route represents Air Canada’s third destination in Scandinavia, after Stockholm and Copenhagen, and the airline remains the only North American carrier with nonstop flights to Norway. Shannon will become the airline’s second destination in Ireland, complementing existing service to Dublin, and Air Canada is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Canada and Shannon.
Market Leadership and Official Statements
Currently, Air Canada operates up to 24 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, making it the leading
carrier between Canada and mainland China. Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, stated, “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.”
