Singapore – Travellers seeking direct flights from Singapore to Canada will soon lose this option, as Air Canada announced the suspension of its non-stop service between Singapore and Vancouver starting January 26, 2027. The route, operating on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, was launched in April 2024 and is currently the airline's longest by distance, covering approximately 12,818 km with a flight duration of about 14 hours from Singapore to Vancouver.
According to a statement from Air Canada, the decision was made due to commercial reasons, citing insufficient business targets to sustain the route amid economic factors such as demand and high operational costs. Despite efforts over nearly three years, the airline decided to redeploy its fleet to other markets better aligned with demand.
Implications for Travelers and Connectivity
The suspension means travelers will need to make at least one stop in other locations like Hong Kong, the US, or via codeshare agreements with Star Alliance partners, including flights operated by Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and other airlines. The Canadian carrier continues to maintain a presence in Singapore through these partnerships.
"Despite significant efforts and resources invested in the Vancouver-Singapore route for close to three years by Air Canada and other partners, the route regrettably did not meet the business targets that would enable this service to remain sustainable," said a spokeswoman for Air Canada.
Changi Airport Group noted that Air Canada’s service accounted for about 9% of its traffic to North America last year. The group also stated that Singapore remains connected to North America via multiple other direct and one-stop flights, and they continue engaging airlines to enhance Singapore-Canada connectivity. Air Canada’s vice-president for government and community relations explained that the high costs associated with ultra-long flights and fuel consumption contributed to the route’s discontinuation.
This move reflects broader challenges faced by airlines operating ultra-long-haul routes, where economic viability is increasingly scrutinized amid rising fuel prices and demand fluctuations. Travelers planning future trips to Canada from Singapore should prepare for longer, less direct options.
