Air Canada expanded its global network by launching three long-haul routes over a 72-hour period between June 3 and June 5, 2026.
The airline inaugurated non-stop services from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Shanghai and Budapest, alongside a new connection from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport to Catania.
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The rapid expansion underscores the carrier's international ambitions and growing transatlantic and transpacific demand.
Toronto-Shanghai Route Restored
The expansion began on June 3 with the resumption of flights between Toronto and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
This route, operating three to four times weekly on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, restores a service suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic.
The service will compete directly with China Eastern Airlines.
Montreal-Catania: First Direct Link to Sicily
On June 4, Air Canada launched its thrice-weekly service between Montreal and Catania using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
This marks the first-ever direct air link between Canada and Sicily, targeting strong cultural and family ties.
Combined annual capacity to Sicily is projected to reach 209,000 two-way seats this year.
Toronto-Budapest Seasonal Service Begins
The final launch occurred when the seasonal service between Toronto and Budapest commenced.
According to Budapest Airport, nearly 90,000 passengers travel annually between Hungary and Canada.
The route will run until October 24, initially operating four times weekly before increasing to five weekly flights during July and August.
Budapest Airport Chief Executive Officer François Berisot welcomed the newly established connection during an arrival ceremony at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
"We are delighted to welcome Air Canada's Budapest–Toronto flight, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated connections of this summer season by passengers, whether they are travelling for leisure or business," said Berisot.
"This connection is the second direct North American destination this summer, which will further strengthen the already extremely strong overseas interest in the Hungarian capital."
He noted that passengers arriving in Toronto can access a wider network across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and South America.
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Air Canada Managing Director of International Sales Rocky Lo highlighted the broader connectivity benefits provided by the newly restored transatlantic service.
"We are thrilled to be the only carrier offering a non-stop service between Budapest and Toronto, connecting families, tourists and businesses across the Atlantic with ease," said Lo.
"This service will also allow Hungarian customers to connect onto Air Canada's impressive global network, notably into the U.
S, the Caribbean, Central and Latin America."
The service utilizes Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, providing 47,680 total seasonal seats between the two cities.
Hungarian State Secretary for Transport and Investments Zsolt Tárkányi stated that the route signifies a new phase for transatlantic transportation links, following American Airlines' recent Philadelphia-Budapest launch.
He noted that passenger traffic at Budapest Airport approached 20 million travelers last year, growing 20 percent compared to 2023.
Tárkányi added that the Hungarian government plans to develop a rail link connecting the city center directly to the airport terminal.
The government aims to secure the release of European Union funding by the end of August to support the infrastructure initiative during the next EU budget cycle.
Canadian Ambassador to Hungary François Lafrenière emphasized the deep personal connection this route facilitates for the diaspora network.
"We are thrilled to be the only carrier offering a non-stop service between Budapest and Toronto, connecting families, tourists and businesses across the Atlantic with ease.
This service will also allow Hungarian customers to connect onto Air Canada's impressive global network, notably into the U.
S, the Caribbean, Central and Latin America."
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The ambassador noted that the return of the route coincides with the 70th anniversary year of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, which prompted a major historic wave of Hungarian immigration to Canada.
