MONTRÉAL — Air Canada is gearing up for its biggest intercontinental expansion yet, adding five new international destinations and seven new routes for summer 2027 while increasing service in several key markets. 

The new schedule will see year-round Vancouver-Guangzhou service, new Toronto flights to Oslo, Shannon and Nice and new Montréal service to Basel and Dubrovnik. Air Canada will also restore its Toronto-London Heathrow Daytripper, increase Toronto-Shanghai to daily and make its new Toronto-Guatemala City service year-round. From Montréal, Tenerife, Lima and Guatemala City will also move to year-round operation. 

The airline says the expansion supports its long-term growth strategy, which is expected to create more than 1,500 additional direct jobs by 2028 and increase its annual GDP contribution in Canada by more than $7 billion. 

“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,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.

“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.” 

Earlier this week, Air Canada launched a contest featuring a teaser video with hidden clues that point to its new destinations, encouraging travellers to guess the locations for a chance to win roundtrip tickets. 

MORE THAN 125 INTERNATIONAL ROUTES

For summer 2027, Air Canada plans to operate more than 125 international routes, representing up to 169,000 weekly seats from Canada to more than 85 international destinations across the Atlantic, Pacific, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

That represents an increase of more than 8% in available seat miles across those regions compared with summer 2026. 

“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,” added Galardo. 

“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.

NEW VANCOUVER-GUANGZHOU SERVICE

From Vancouver, Air Canada will launch year-round service to Guangzhou beginning May 4, 2027.

The new route will give Air Canada three destinations in mainland China and make it the only North American carrier serving Guangzhou. The airline plans up to 24 weekly frequencies between Canada and mainland China across Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. 

Flights will operate three times weekly on Boeing 787 Dreamliners with Air Canada Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. 

TORONTO ADDS OSLO, SHANNON AND NICE

Place Masséna, Nice, France

Toronto will gain three new European routes in summer 2027.

Service to Oslo begins June 2 and will operate four times weekly through Oct. 10. Air Canada will be the only North American airline offering nonstop service to Norway, with flights operated by Airbus A321XLR aircraft featuring two cabins, including Air Canada Signature with lie-flat seats. 

Toronto-Shannon launches June 10 with three weekly flights through Oct. 2. Shannon becomes Air Canada’s second destination in Ireland after Dublin, with the airline also positioning itself as the only carrier offering nonstop service between Canada and Shannon. Flights will also operate with the airline’s new Airbus A321XLR fleet.

Toronto-Nice service begins June 16 and operates twice weekly through Oct. 23. The route will complement Air Canada’s existing Montréal–Nice service, creating combined daily service to the French Riviera. Flights will operate on Airbus A330-300 aircraft with Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. 

MONTRÉAL ADDS BASEL AND DUBROVNIK

From Montréal, Air Canada will add Basel beginning June 16, 2027, with four weekly flights through Oct. 23.

The service will make Air Canada the only North American carrier serving all three major Swiss cities – Zurich, Geneva and Basel. The route will be operated by Airbus A321XLR aircraft with two cabins, including Air Canada Signature. 

Montréal-Dubrovnik launches May 11 with three weekly flights through Oct. 23. The new Croatia service will operate on Boeing 787 Dreamliners featuring Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. 

With these additions, Air Canada will be the only Canadian carrier with premium, lie-flat business class product to serve Basel and Dubrovnik.

Flights are now available for purchase through Air Canada, its contact centres and travel advisors.