Air Canada strengthens its Toronto hub with an expanded international network

With exciting new routes to South America and Mexico set to begin operating this winter from its global hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Air Canada today announced a further expansion at its flagship hub. Beginning in the summer of 2026, the airline will resume direct flights to Shanghai and Budapest, in addition to adding frequencies to Prague. These new services further strengthen Toronto Pearson (YYZ) as the airline's largest hub, serving more than 150 destinations in Canada and around the world.

"Air Canada continues to build on its extensive network at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and our international growth strategy will continue to position it as one of the continent's leading hubs. Following exciting new services to South America starting this winter from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro, Lima and Cartagena, as well as new holiday destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, Air Canada will resume two key international routes next summer with the return of nonstop flights from Canada's largest metropolitan area to Shanghai and Budapest," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo, Air Canada.

"We are delighted that Air Canada continues to expand its network at Toronto Pearson, strengthening Canada's connection to economies around the world," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson.

“As a launch partner for Air Canada's 787-10—a next-generation aircraft—this reflects our role in the market and the relevance of our plans to build the airport of the future through Pearson LIFT, our infrastructure program. With LIFT, we will elevate the passenger experience, strengthen global connectivity, and foster local economic growth; all of this is possible thanks to our airline partners.”

"Air Canada's expansion at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) creates jobs, contributes significantly to the Greater Toronto Area's GDP, and stimulates new economic opportunities by facilitating international trade and tourism. Looking ahead, the airline's new fleet of Boeing 787-10s will be initially based in Toronto to support international growth and further strengthen trade and jobs. As we receive these widebody aircraft and our innovative new fleet of Airbus A321XLRs in the coming years, we look forward to opening up new travel opportunities at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for our passengers," Galardo concluded.

The airline is proud to offer its eligible passengers premium services at Toronto Pearson (YYZ). These include the Air Canada Signature Suite, recognized at this year's Skytrax Awards as the "World's Best Business Class Lounge Restaurant," concierge service, plus three Maple Leaf Lounges and two Air Canada Cafés. The cargo operation also enjoys a global strategic position in Toronto, with state-of-the-art facilities to handle specialized shipments ranging from time-sensitive pharmaceuticals to equine transport.

Source: Air Canada.