Air Canada Makes Changes

Air Canada is making changes to its route network with the announcement of new transborder services.

The flag-carrier says that it’ll boost capacity across select markets for the Summer 2026 season in a bid to enhance connectivity and provide more options for customers during the peak travel season.

As part of the announcement, Montreal and Toronto will see the brunt of the service enhancement across the period from May to October 2026.

The carrier, confirming Toronto (YYZ) through San Antonio (SAT), will commence thrice-weekly services as AC1019/1018, with a departure at 1820 and arrival at 2100. The return leg will depart the following morning at 1030.

Next, Montreal (YUL) to Cleveland (CLE) will launch daily, departing as AC8647 at 1640 with an arrival at 1814.

Montreal (YUL) through Columbus (CMH) is the last of the new route announcements, with AC8621 receiving the honour of daily service, departing at 1640 and arriving at the American airport at 1839, with the return leg operating as AC8622.

Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and CCO stated that the increased capacity between these markets will also provide customers with greater options across the network, whether coming from markets across the Atlantic or throughout Canada, offering better travel options.

Overall, transborder capacity is expected to increase by 15% in the summer 2026 schedule compared to the 2025 schedule. In line with the 2024 capacity, the airline aims to continue increasing choice towards specific markets that are experiencing robust demand levels.

Other Air Canada Adjustments

Air Canada also took the opportunity to confirm that its non-stop service between London Heathrow and Ottawa will continue for the winter 2025/26 schedule.

The landmark decision will enable year-round connectivity between the capital city of Canada and the largest airport in the United Kingdom; additionally, it will serve as a key gateway to the world.

Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country’s capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long. Customers travelling for business, corporate and leisure from the National Capital Region and abroad will enjoy the ease and convenience of international travel options to and from Ottawa. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard our London flights this winter and beyond.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, at Air Canada.

Flight AC888 will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a 2155 departure from Ottawa (YOW) and a 0920 arrival the following day at London Heathrow (LHR).

The return flight, operating as AC889, departs at 1200 with a 1430 arrival, both times local to their respective cities. The airline is also confirming service will operate from November 2, 2025, through March 27, 2026.

Additionally, the thrice-weekly schedule will increase to four times a week for the summer 2026 period, with this change to commence as of March 28, 2026.