Air Canada Adds New European Routes for Summer 2025
Air Canada is set to enhance its European network next summer with the addition of three new routes, connecting Montreal and Toronto with destinations in the Czech Republic, Italy, and Portugal. This expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to broadening its reach and improving connectivity between North America and Europe.
Starting May 16, 2025, Air Canada will introduce a new service from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP). The new route will operate four times a week using Boeing 787-8 aircraft, offering travelers a direct connection to one of Italy’s most iconic cities known for its historic sites and vibrant culture.
Following this, on June 4, 2025, Air Canada will launch another new route from Montreal to Porto Airport (OPO) in Portugal. This service will also run four times weekly, but will use the Boeing 737-8 aircraft. This addition will complement Air Canada’s existing flights to Lisbon, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s Portuguese offerings. The new Porto service will compete with Air Transat, which currently operates flights on the same route using Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Air Canada will also resume flights to Prague from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), marking a return to the Czech capital after a hiatus of more than five years. Starting June 6, 2025, the airline will offer seasonal flights to Václav Havel Airport Prague, operating three times a week with Boeing 787-8s. This route had been served seasonally from May 2016 until the end of summer 2019. Since then, Prague has had limited direct connections to North America, with Delta Air Lines offering daily flights from New York John F. Kennedy (JFK).
Currently, Air Canada operates flights to three destinations in Italy: Rome and Venice from Montreal and Toronto, and Milan Malpensa from Montreal. The new service to Naples will enhance its Italian network and make Naples-Capodichino the fourth North American nonstop summer connection from the airport, joining flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Despite recent reports of softer demand in Europe, Air Canada is pressing forward with its expansion plans. During its second-quarter earnings call, Mark Galardo, the airline’s executive vice president for revenue and network planning, noted that the airline had adjusted its capacity growth for Atlantic routes by 8% due to weaker demand and competitive pressures. However, he highlighted strong leisure demand, particularly in Mediterranean markets, as a positive trend.
Air Canada’s new routes reflect its strategic focus on leveraging strong leisure travel demand and enhancing its presence in key European markets. As the airline navigates a competitive landscape, these new flights are expected to offer travelers more options and improved connectivity between North America and Europe.