Air Canada to Launch Athens Flights Earlier, Boost Summer 2026 Capacity
Athens, March 4 – Air Canada is set to launch its seasonal flights between Athens and Canada on March 6, 2026 – significantly earlier than in 2025 – while also substantially increasing its capacity for the upcoming summer 2026 travel season. This strategic move aims to strengthen the vital air connectivity between Greece and North America, catering to a growing demand for travel.
Expanded Schedule and Increased Frequency
The airline will operate daily services between Athens and its two major Canadian hubs, Montreal and Toronto. These flights will commence several weeks ahead of last year’s schedule, providing travelers with more flexibility and an extended travel window. During the peak summer period, Air Canada plans to further augment its offerings, with up to 10 weekly flights between Montreal and Athens and up to 11 weekly flights connecting Toronto and Athens.
Speaking at a media briefing in Athens, Stefano Casaregola, Air Canada’s Regional Manager for Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, emphasized that this expanded schedule is a direct response to the robust demand observed for travel between Greece and North America. “Air Canada is delighted to relaunch its Athens service for the 2026 season, offering more choice and convenience for travellers between Greece and North America,” Casaregola stated. He further highlighted that these routes play a crucial role in facilitating family visits, business engagements, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Beyond direct travel, the flight schedule has been meticulously designed to facilitate seamless onward connections through Air Canada’s hubs in Montreal and Toronto. Passengers will be able to easily reach numerous destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, enhancing global accessibility from Athens.
Athens: A Strategic and Growing Destination
Casaregola underscored Athens’ significance as a key destination within the airline’s extensive international network. He noted that Greece consistently generates strong demand, making it a focal point for Air Canada’s operations. “Athens and Greece have been a focus market for Air Canada since we began flying there in 2010 and continue to be among our core markets,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, Casaregola also hinted at potential future expansion, suggesting that the strong demand from Greece could support additional routes to Thessaloniki and other Greek island destinations by 2030. This long-term vision aligns with Air Canada’s broader strategy to expand its global capacity by approximately 7 percent annually through 2030. In this context, the future role of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with its extended range capabilities, is expected to be instrumental in supporting further network development, including new routes serving Greece.
The early relaunch of the service also coincides with Canada’s recognition of March as Hellenic Heritage Month. This annual celebration acknowledges the historical presence and significant cultural contributions of Greek Canadians, adding a symbolic layer to the increased connectivity.
Canadian Market Shows Strong Momentum
Athens International Airport (AIA) warmly welcomed Air Canada’s decision to enhance its presence in the Greek market. Ioanna Papadopoulou, AIA’s Director of Communications and Marketing, expressed her enthusiasm: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Air Canada’s renewed and expanded operations in 2026. The Canadian market continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with Athens gaining further popularity among Canadian travellers.”
Papadopoulou further noted that the earlier commencement of operations – approximately one month ahead of the previous year – is a strategic advantage. It is expected to contribute to extending the tourism season in Athens and help smooth out seasonal demand fluctuations, promoting more consistent visitor numbers throughout the year.
An additional benefit for passengers traveling onward to the United States via Montreal or Toronto is the availability of Canada’s US pre-clearance facilities. This allows travelers to complete US immigration procedures before departure from Canada, enabling them to arrive in the United States as domestic passengers, significantly streamlining their journey.
The Athens services will be operated using modern and efficient aircraft, specifically the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777. These aircraft offer three distinct travel classes to cater to diverse passenger preferences: Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, ensuring a comfortable and tailored travel experience for all.
Source: Greek Travel Pages
