Air Canada remains a major force in Canada’s international aviation market, connecting hubs in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific. However, its long-haul network has changed considerably over the past decade, with 16 destinations losing Air Canada service since 2016 as the airline adjusted capacity, aircraft deployment and route strategy.
OAG schedule data shows Air Canada averages about 54 long-haul departures per day in 2026. That figure varies significantly by season, ranging from roughly 32 daily departures during the winter low season to as many as 71 during the summer peak.
Nine European Airports Have Lost Air Canada Service
Europe accounts for the largest share of Air Canada’s discontinued long-haul destinations. Since 2016, the airline has stopped serving nine European airports, with several routes previously operated by Air Canada Rouge, the carrier’s leisure-focused subsidiary.
Rouge was particularly important on routes driven by holiday travel and passengers visiting friends and relatives. Many of these services relied on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft before Air Canada retired the type from passenger operations.
The discontinued European destinations include:
| Last year served | Destination | Canadian gateway | Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Istanbul | Toronto (YYZ) | Air Canada mainline |
| 2017 | London Gatwick | Toronto, Vancouver | Air Canada Rouge |
| 2018 | Shannon | Toronto | Air Canada mainline |
| 2019 | Bordeaux | Montréal (YUL) | Air Canada Rouge |
| 2019 | Bucharest | Montréal, Toronto | Air Canada Rouge |
| 2019 | Glasgow | Toronto | Air Canada Rouge |
| 2019 | Marseille | Montréal | Air Canada Rouge |
| 2019 | Warsaw | Toronto | Mainly Rouge |
| 2019 | Zagreb | Toronto | Air Canada Rouge |
Air Canada has indicated that Istanbul and Marseille could eventually return to its network. The carrier also launched service to Berlin Brandenburg in 2026, replacing Berlin Tegel as the relevant airport in the German capital after Tegel’s closure.
Rouge Played a Major Role in European Expansion
The Boeing 767 was the principal aircraft serving many of these destinations. Istanbul and Warsaw also received mainline 767 service, while Boeing 787-8 aircraft were deployed to Turkey. Shannon was served using the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Air Canada still has Boeing 767 aircraft in its wider fleet structure, but its remaining examples are used for cargo rather than passenger operations.
Six Destinations Removed Across Africa and Asia-Pacific
Air Canada has also withdrawn from six long-haul destinations across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region since 2016.
The affected airports are Algiers, last served from Montréal in 2025; Cairo, last served from Montréal in 2023; Melbourne, last served from Vancouver in 2020; Mumbai, last served from Toronto in 2026; Nagoya, last served from Vancouver in 2018; and Taipei, last served from Vancouver in 2020.
Air Canada had considered restoring Montréal-Algiers service in 2027, but those plans have since been shelved.
The airline’s withdrawal from Mumbai is another significant change. The route had operated from Toronto through London Heathrow using fifth-freedom traffic rights. Air India subsequently entered the market. A future nonstop Air Canada service to Mumbai remains possible if operational conditions, including access to Russian airspace, change.
Melbourne Could Eventually Return
Air Canada served Melbourne from Vancouver between 2017 and 2020, generally operating four weekly Boeing 787-9 flights before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel.
The airline said earlier in 2026 that Vancouver-Melbourne could return. More recent indications, however, suggest a revival may have to wait for Air Canada’s Airbus A350-1000 fleet, which is not expected to arrive for several years.
Doha Is Air Canada’s Only Middle East Withdrawal
Doha is the only Middle Eastern destination Air Canada has dropped during the period. Toronto-Doha flights operated between 2020 and 2023, primarily using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The service was supported by Air Canada’s codeshare relationship with Qatar Airways, and a significant share of passengers connected through Doha to destinations elsewhere. Tehran was among the largest connecting markets, reflecting the substantial Iranian-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area.
Air Canada’s main Middle Eastern partnership has since shifted toward Emirates, supporting its Toronto-Dubai operation. Vancouver-Dubai was also served between 2023 and 2025.
Middle East Network Expected to Rebuild
Air Canada’s Toronto service in the region is currently affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, with operations suspended. Service is scheduled to resume in January 2027.
If the planned restoration proceeds, Air Canada is expected to serve two Middle Eastern destinations: Dubai and Tel Aviv.
Air Canada Continues to Reshape Its International Network
The removal of 16 long-haul destinations since 2016 highlights how frequently international airline networks evolve in response to demand, operating costs, aircraft availability and geopolitical conditions.
While destinations including Istanbul, Marseille and Melbourne remain potential candidates for future service, Air Canada continues to balance route withdrawals with new international expansion as it strengthens its position at Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau and Vancouver International Airport.
Francesco Petrarca is a writer for ThePacket.ca, covering news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to clear and reliable reporting, providing readers with useful information, timely updates, and stories that highlight important developments and current affairs.