In a move that promises to bridge the culinary and cultural divide between Canada and Scotland, Air Canada has announced the launch of new seasonal flights from Montreal to Edinburgh, complementing its existing Toronto-Edinburgh route. This strategic expansion also includes increased frequencies to popular European destinations like Paris, Athens, and Rome, catering to the growing demand for travel during the peak summer season.
Starting June 26, 2025, Air Canada will operate thrice-weekly flights from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. These flights will depart on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering passengers the choice of Premium Economy or Economy class seats. This new route marks the first non-stop service between Montreal and Edinburgh, reconnecting the two cities after a hiatus since Air Transat’s Glasgow flights in 2016.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning, highlighted the significance of this new route, stating, “Our new flights will link Scotland to Canada’s second-largest metropolitan area, bringing additional travel choices to the legendary land of castles, lochs, and more through our extensive network at our Montreal hub”.
In addition to the Montreal-Edinburgh route, Air Canada is bolstering its presence in Europe with increased flights to Paris, Athens, and Rome:
Paris: Three additional weekly flights from Toronto, bringing the total to up to 10 flights per week from Toronto and maintaining 14 weekly flights from Montreal.
Athens: Two new weekly flights from Toronto, extending frequencies through October, with both Toronto and Montreal operating up to 10 weekly flights.
Rome: Up to four additional weekly flights from Toronto, with the peak season schedule extended until October, offering up to 12 weekly flights from Toronto and nine from Montreal.
These enhancements reflect Air Canada’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for travel to Europe during the summer months, providing travelers with more flexibility and options for exploring these iconic cities.
Air Canada’s expansion is not just about increasing routes; it’s also about fostering cultural exchange and supporting tourism. By connecting Montreal directly to Edinburgh, the airline is opening up new opportunities for travelers to experience Scotland’s rich history and natural beauty. Similarly, the increased flights to Paris, Athens, and Rome will make these destinations more accessible, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of Europe.
As Mark Galardo noted, “At Air Canada, we take pride in supporting tourism and reuniting friends and family. We can’t wait to welcome our customers onboard”.
With these new routes and increased frequencies, Air Canada is poised to make a significant impact on the transatlantic travel landscape. By offering more convenient and direct connections between Canada and Europe, the airline is not only enhancing travel experiences but also contributing to the growth of tourism and economic ties between these regions.
As the summer travel season approaches, Air Canada’s expanded network promises to bring the world closer together, one flight at a time. Whether you’re drawn by the smoked meat sandwiches of Montreal or the haggis of Scotland, this new connection is sure to inspire a journey of discovery and delight.
