Air Canada Adds Sicily, Mallorca, and Expands Asia-Europe Network for Summer 2026

Air Canada announced a significant expansion of its international network for the Summer 2026 season, adding new destinations in Europe and Asia and increasing service on existing routes. The move reinforces the airline’s global reach as it capitalizes on growing leisure and business travel demand.

From its Montréal hub, Air Canada will introduce non-stop flights to Catania, Sicily, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, becoming the first Canadian airline to serve either destination directly.

From Toronto, the carrier will relaunch flights to Shanghai and Budapest, while boosting capacity to Prague.

Meanwhile, the seasonal Vancouver–Bangkok route will become year-round, making Air Canada the only North American airline offering direct service to Thailand’s capital.

Government support and cargo growth

Canadian government ministers praised the expansion, noting benefits for both passengers and the economy. Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland said the new routes would “support jobs across the country and help grow a stronger Canadian economy.”

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu emphasized the trade impact, citing air cargo capacity that moves with passenger flights as key to “strengthening Canada’s global competitiveness.”

Strategic positioning

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said the expansion highlights the airline’s ambition: “From Montréal to Mallorca and Sicily, from Toronto to Shanghai and Budapest, and from Vancouver to Bangkok, these strategic additions reinforce Air Canada’s global network as one of the most wide-reaching from North America.”