Air Canada will reinstate 55 routes to 34 destinations in the U.S. as well as a handful of other international routes as the country reopens for fully vaccinated Americans on Aug. 9, and EU countries on Sept. 7.
Bookings are still slow but started to pick up right after the government lifted the hotel quarantine restriction for fully vaccinated passengers. The airline trusts this reopening will offer hopes of revival for the travel industry.
“Indications are that the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may now be behind us. Based on what we are seeing in other markets that are further along in reopening in Canada, we anticipate travel will resume at a quickening pace,” said Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau during a conference call Friday.
Toronto – Vienna (July 22)
Canada resumed operations with Vienna Airport, operating three weekly flights connecting Toronto with Vienna and Austria. In turn, European visitors will be allowed to come back to Canada from Sept. 7.
Julian Jäger, Member of the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG considers that the lifting of restrictions as of September is an important step in the intercontinental long-haul travel recovery.
Vancouver – San Diego (July 31, 2021)
After a 16 months suspension, Air Canada will restart flights between Vancouver International Airport and San Diego International Airport.
This route is considered to be an important link between Canada and California as travelers can “connect to many destinations throughout the Great White North from Vancouver,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO.
Quebec – Orlando & Fort Lauderdale (November 19, 2021)
Starting November 19, Quebecers will be able to enjoy two new “winter routes” departing from Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to sunny Orlando (December 17) and Fort Lauderdale, (November 19).
“We’re excited to be launching these two new routes to Florida from Quebec City, a first for Air Canada. We know that, for many Quebecers, Florida is a popular place for winter vacations,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
Galardo also announced that “more frequent flights” to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Cancun (Mexico) will be displayed.