Nantes Gets a Direct Canada Link
Air Canada has launched a new seasonal direct service between Nantes and Montreal, giving western France a transatlantic route to Canada for summer 2026. The flights operate three times a week until 12 October 2026 in partnership with Nantes Atlantique Airport. The route also links Nantes passengers with Air Canada’s wider network through its Montreal hub.
What Passengers Need to Know
Key details for the route:
- Airline: Air Canada
- Airports: Nantes Atlantique and Montreal
- Season: until 12 October 2026
- Frequency: three flights per week
- Aircraft until 22 July: Boeing 737 MAX
- Aircraft from 23 July: Airbus A321XLR
- Loyalty: Aeroplan and Star Alliance benefits apply
The route will move to Air Canada’s new Airbus A321XLR from 23 July 2026. The long-range aircraft will have two cabins: Air Canada Signature Class and Economy. Signature Class will include lie-flat seats, individual entertainment screens and long-haul service, while Economy will offer the airline’s newer inflight entertainment system and improved connectivity.
The new link makes Montreal easier to reach for travellers based around Nantes and the Grand Ouest, without starting the journey in Paris. It also opens onward connections across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and South America. Passengers travelling to the US can use pre-clearance at Montreal-Trudeau, completing American immigration and customs checks before departure.
The route is useful beyond a simple city break. Montreal gives access to Quebec culture, festivals, food and onward Canadian trips, while Nantes gains a stronger bridge to North America. The aircraft change in July also matters: passengers booking later summer flights should see a more long-haul-focused cabin than on the launch aircraft.