Air Canada is set to enhance its European route network in summer 2026 by launching several new seasonal services, utilizing its forthcoming fleet of Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The airline will operate routes from Montreal to Berlin and Nantes, from Halifax to Brussels, and from Toronto Pearson to Ponta Delgada, Azores, with the exception of Tel Aviv, which will be restored to its schedule. Most flights are planned to operate three times weekly with single-aisle aircraft, aiming to strengthen its transatlantic presence and support tourism.
Mark Galardo, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Canada, stated, “We are strategically increasing new nonstop routes across Europe to bring convenient access to key destinations, while strengthening economic ties, and supporting tourism.” With these additions, Air Canada expects to have North America's second-largest transatlantic network by destinations next summer.
The airline's schedule includes Halifax-Brussels from June 18 to September 6, Montreal-Nantes from June 10 to October 12, and Toronto-Ponta Delgada from June 11 to September 6, all to be served with Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Montreal-Berlin will operate from July 2 to October 11 using A321XLRs, marking the first use of this model at Brandenburg Airport, which benefits from the aircraft’s long-range efficiency. Montreal-Tel Aviv will operate twice weekly from June 5 to October 24 using Boeing 787s, following the resumption of flights earlier in 2025.
The A321XLR is central to Air Canada's plan to access thinner transatlantic markets, with 30 on order, expected to arrive starting early 2026. The airline has already announced plans to use the aircraft on routes such as Montreal-Palma de Mallorca, Montreal-Toulouse, and Montreal-Edinburgh, seeking to diversify its long-haul options and increase route profitability.
