Air Canada has revealed its most ambitious winter network expansion yet for the 2026–27 season. The airline is adding new destinations, upgrading seasonal routes, and strengthening international connections across Latin America, Europe, and Mexico.
The plan aims to meet growing travel demand while improving access to warm-weather escapes and major business hubs. Canadian travelers will gain easier access to South America, Northern Europe, and Mexico’s top beach cities.
The expansion also helps tourism recovery across partner destinations while creating new travel choices for leisure and business passengers.
Nonstop Flights Launch Between Canada and Quito
A key highlight is the launch of direct flights connecting Canada and Ecuador’s capital, Quito. These flights will operate from Toronto and Montréal starting December 2026.
This marks the first nonstop winter service between Canada and Ecuador, improving tourism and business links between both countries.
Planned Quito Schedule
Flights will operate three times weekly from Montréal and once weekly from Toronto. Air Canada will use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
Quito attracts travelers for its preserved colonial center, vibrant culture, and scenic Andean surroundings. The city also serves as a gateway to Ecuador’s cloud forests, Amazon basin, and Pacific coast.
Improved access also benefits travelers heading to the Galápagos Islands through domestic connections. Adventure tourism and eco-travel demand continue to grow, making Quito an important addition to Air Canada’s network.
The new service is expected to increase tourism flows while supporting trade and cultural exchanges.
Manchester and Copenhagen Become Year-Round Routes
Air Canada will also upgrade its Toronto routes to Manchester and Copenhagen from seasonal to year-round operations beginning October 2026.
The move responds to consistent demand for travel between Canada and Northern Europe throughout the year. Travelers often faced limited winter options previously.
Benefits of Year-Round Service
The airline plans to deploy its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on both routes. These aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency and modern cabin features. Travelers will also enjoy lie-flat seating in premium cabins despite the aircraft being narrow-body.
Manchester continues to attract visitors with music heritage, football culture, shopping districts, and easy access to Northern England’s countryside.
Copenhagen remains one of Europe’s leading cities for sustainability, modern design, culinary innovation, and cycling-friendly urban planning. The city also connects travelers to Scandinavia and Baltic destinations.
Year-round flights support tourism while helping business travelers maintain smoother links with European markets.
Calgary Gains More Direct Mexico Winter Flights
Air Canada is also restoring and expanding winter services from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. These routes respond to strong demand from Western Canada for warm winter escapes.
Mexico Winter Schedule
Flights to Cancun will operate four times weekly, while Puerto Vallarta will see three weekly departures. Services will run from December 2026 through April 2027.
Aircraft operated under Air Canada Rouge will provide Economy and Premium Economy cabins, offering competitive pricing for holiday travelers.
Cancun remains one of North America’s most visited beach destinations, thanks to its resort zones, nightlife, and nearby archaeological attractions.
Puerto Vallarta appeals to travelers seeking a mix of beaches, colonial charm, food culture, and outdoor adventures. Whale watching, mountain excursions, and coastal tours continue to draw visitors each winter.
Direct flights reduce travel time and eliminate connecting hassles for passengers departing Western Canada.
Stronger Links Across Latin America
The expansion goes beyond new destinations. Air Canada will also increase frequencies on existing routes across South America.
More flights are planned between Toronto and Rio de Janeiro, Lima, and Bogotá. Seasonal service to Santiago will also begin earlier than before.
Impact on Regional Tourism
Additional flights support both tourism and business travel. South American destinations remain popular with Canadians seeking culture, cuisine, and nature-based travel.
Brazil’s beaches, Peru’s archaeological attractions, Chile’s wine regions, and Colombia’s historic cities continue to attract global visitors.
Stronger air links encourage tourism investments and economic cooperation across the Americas.
Meeting Evolving Travel Demand
Air Canada’s network strategy reflects changing travel patterns. Travelers now seek more direct routes, fewer connections, and flexible year-round options.
Winter travel demand remains strong as Canadians look for warmer climates and cultural destinations abroad. Airlines also see increasing business travel returning after recent global disruptions.
New aircraft with better fuel efficiency allow airlines to open longer routes while keeping operating costs manageable. This helps airlines serve emerging markets like Ecuador more effectively.
What This Means for Travelers
Passengers can expect more direct flight options, improved convenience, and wider destination choices for winter travel.
Leisure travelers gain better access to beach destinations and cultural capitals. Business travelers benefit from expanded year-round connectivity to Europe and Latin America.
Tourism authorities in partner destinations also welcome improved Canadian access, expecting stronger visitor numbers during the winter season.
Outlook for Winter 2026–27 Travel
Air Canada’s winter expansion signals confidence in global travel growth. The airline strengthens its competitive position while opening new opportunities for tourism and trade.
With new routes, increased frequencies, and upgraded services, the airline positions itself as a major connector between Canada and global destinations.
Travelers planning winter escapes or business trips will soon enjoy more seamless journeys across continents, making Winter 2026–27 one of the most connected travel seasons yet.
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