Air Canada has unveiled its most extensive winter schedule to date, announcing a bold expansion for the 2025-26 season that includes 13 new routes and four brand-new destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean. The move increases the airline’s seat capacity in the region by a substantial 16%, responding to surging demand for leisure and business travel to warmer climates during the winter months.
The new routes, which are now open for booking, will give Canadian travelers broader access to sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cities, and growing economic hubs. With over 55 daily flights planned, Air Canada will offer more than 80,000 seats weekly across the Latin America and Caribbean network this winter.
Expanded Network with New Destinations
As part of the expansion, Air Canada is launching service to four new destinations: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Cartagena (Colombia), Guatemala City (Guatemala), and Guadalajara (Mexico). These cities will now join Air Canada’s growing list of international hubs, catering to both vacationers and the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment.
In addition, the airline is increasing its presence in popular Caribbean destinations with new flights to Nassau, Montego Bay, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Fort-de-France. The expansion also features new services originating from regional Canadian cities like Ottawa, Halifax, and Quebec City—broadening access to international getaways from more domestic locations.
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Direct Access to South America
Highlighting the South American expansion are two flagship routes: Toronto to Rio de Janeiro and Montreal to Santiago. Both routes will be serviced by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering premium comfort for long-haul passengers.
The Rio de Janeiro flights (AC84/AC85) will operate thrice weekly from December 4, 2025, through March 2026. The Santiago service (AC52/AC53), launching on December 16, will also run three times a week until February 2026.
Cartagena will receive Saturday flights from both Toronto and Montreal (AC936/937 and AC1388/1389), offering convenient weekend getaways to one of Colombia’s most picturesque coastal cities.
Growing Frequency and Seasonal Connectivity
In addition to the new routes, Air Canada is increasing flight frequency to established destinations. The Toronto and Vancouver routes to Los Cabos, Mexico, will see increased service, with Toronto flights ramping up to daily and Vancouver operating five times per week.
This move reinforces Air Canada’s strategy of responding dynamically to passenger demand and maximizing fleet utility during the peak travel season.
Strengthening Caribbean and Central American Access
Air Canada’s winter schedule will also strengthen its Caribbean and Central American offerings. New flights from Quebec City to Fort-de-France (AC960/961), Ottawa to Nassau and Montego Bay (AC1270-1275), and Halifax to the same Caribbean hotspots (AC1278/1279 and AC1290/1289) will run from early December 2025 through April 2026.
Notably, the airline is adding service to Guatemala City from Montreal (AC1368/1369) and to Guadalajara from Toronto (AC1360/1361)—two growing markets for both tourism and business travel.
Further boosting its Mexican portfolio, Air Canada will introduce a new weekly flight from Vancouver to Huatulco (AC980/981), starting December 7, 2025. Huatulco, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its pristine bays and eco-tourism appeal.
A Strategic Leap Amid Rising Demand
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity and supporting tourism. “We’re thrilled to offer our customers more ways to escape the cold and explore culturally rich destinations. This expansion reflects our confidence in the strength of travel demand and our role in connecting Canada with the world.”
The airline’s focus on increasing access from regional Canadian cities also supports local economies and enhances convenience for travelers outside the major hubs of Toronto and Montreal.
Outlook
With travel demand rebounding strongly post-pandemic, Air Canada’s strategic winter expansion positions it as a key player in leisure and business travel to Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline’s enhanced offerings underscore its ongoing commitment to connectivity, comfort, and customer satisfaction.
As the winter 2025-26 season approaches, Canadian travelers will have more options than ever to chase the sun, explore new cultures, and reconnect with loved ones across borders.
