Air Canada has just announced a broad expansion of its international network for Summer 2026, highlighted by new services from Montréal (YUL) to Palma de Mallorca (PMI) and Catania-Sicily (CTA).
The airline will also resume flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Budapest (BUD) and Shanghai (PVG), while its Vancouver (YVR) – Bangkok (BKK) service will become year-round.
At the centre of this growth is the debut of Air Canada’s new Airbus A321XLR fleet, with Palma de Mallorca set to be the first new route operated by the aircraft.
Palma de Mallorca: First A321XLR Destination
Beginning June 17, 2026, Air Canada will launch seasonal service from Montréal to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, operating four times weekly until October 24, 2026. Tickets are already available for purchase.
The Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) is a new-generation narrow-body aircraft designed for transatlantic and other long-haul flights.
It combines the efficiency of a single-aisle jet with the range of a wide-body aircraft, allowing airlines to serve mid-sized international markets more effectively.
Air Canada’s configuration will seat 182 passengers, including 14 lie-flat signature class seats and 168 economy class seats, and will debut a refreshed cabin interior design.
In addition to Palma de Mallorca, the A321XLR will also operate on Montréal (YUL) – Toulouse (TLS) year-round and Montréal (YUL) – Edinburgh (EDI) seasonal beginning in 2026, with further expansion planned as deliveries continue.
Additional Network Expansions
Air Canada will complement the A321XLR’s launch with further network growth:
- Montréal–Catania (Sicily, Italy): Three weekly flights from June 4 to October 23, 2026.
- Toronto–Budapest (Hungary): Four weekly flights from June 5 to October 24, 2026.
- Toronto–Shanghai (China): Year-round service beginning June 3, 2026, four times weekly.
- Vancouver–Bangkok (Thailand): Transitioning from seasonal to year-round in 2026, three times weekly.
- Toronto–Prague (Czechia): Frequency increase to four weekly flights during peak summer 2026.
Conclusion
Air Canada’s Summer 2026 schedule represents one of its most significant recent expansions, combining the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR with new destinations across Europe and Asia.
By adding non-stop flights to Mediterranean leisure markets and strengthening transatlantic and transpacific connectivity, the airline continues to build one of the most comprehensive international networks in North America.
Importantly, the introduction of the A321XLR marks a shift in how the airline can deploy narrow-body aircraft on long-haul routes, opening up new opportunities for future growth.
