Air Canada boosts winter network with more southern connections

Air Canada has announced its updated schedule for the winter 2025 to 2026 season. Starting in October, the airline will launch flights to four new destinations including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Cartagena in Colombia, Guatemala City in Guatemala and Guadalajara in Mexico. In total, thirteen new routes are planned and overall seat capacity will increase by 16 percent compared to the previous winter.

Flights will depart from six Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax and Vancouver. New nonstop connections such as Quebec City to Fort de France and Toronto to Pointe a Pitre will offer more direct options to warm-weather locations. With more direct flights now on the map, people flying out of smaller cities won’t have to zigzag through big hubs just to reach the sun.

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s second largest city and plays an important role in tourism, commerce and cultural affairs. It is supported by extensive infrastructure including ports, airports and public services. Guadalajara is a key economic hub in western Mexico with strong links to the technology and manufacturing sectors and is also known for its educational and cultural institutions.

Cartagena is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and functions as a major port and tourist center. Its historic district is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of Guatemala serving as the country's political, administrative and cultural center. It also provides access to pre-Columbian archaeological sites and colonial era landmarks.

In addition to launching new destinations Air Canada will increase flight frequency on several existing routes. Toronto will operate up to twelve weekly flights to Nassau and Vancouver will offer daily service to Puerto Vallarta. Halifax and Ottawa will gain direct flights to Montego Bay and Nassau. The airline stated that the updated schedule is part of a strategy to expand access to southern destinations during the winter season and to strengthen service from regional Canadian airports.