ATHENS, GREECE – 18 September 2026 – At a press briefing held in Athens today, Air Canada announced a major expansion of its operations in the Greek market. Responding to unprecedented transatlantic demand, Canada’s flagship carrier is expanding its direct flights connecting Athens to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Montreal- Trudeau (YUL), significantly closing the traditional winter gap.
Hellenic DNA – Newsroom.
In a bold move to support the Greek Ministry of Tourism’s and Athens International Airport year -round travel initiatives, Air Canada will extend its non-stop service deep into January 2027.
Following a brief winter pause, direct flights will resume exceptionally early on March 6, 2027. During the peak summer season, capacity will scale up to 11 weekly flights from Toronto and 10 weekly flights from Montreal.
H.E. Sonya J. Thissen, Ambassador of Canada to the Hellenic Republic, stressed: “Congratulations to Air Canada for this expansion of direct flights between Canada and Greece. More flights create more linkages between both countries, benefitting families, business travellers, students, and tourists who are at the heart of relations between Canada and Greece.”
“Greece is performing exceptionally well, with a 13.5% increase in year- over-year traffic and a near-doubling of shoulder-season demand” said Stefano Casaregola, Regional Director for Greece, Italy and Cyprus, Air Canada. “By deploying our premier widebody aircraft and extending our operating season, we are offering Greek business and leisure travelers reliable, near-continuous direct access to N. America & Caribbean while boosting the local tourism economy during the traditional off-peak months”
Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director Communications & Marketing, Athens International Airport stressed: “We are really excited with Air Canada’s decision to extend its operating season to / from Athens. This is a strong vote of confidence for Athens and the potential of the Greek market.
Canada and Greece share strong ties, with the Greek diaspora adding its own unique dynamics to this relationship. Air Canada’s extended schedule offers passengers even more opportunities for travel, personal and business connections, while enjoying the airline’s excellent product, and significantly strengthens Athens’ connectivity with North America.
We wish our airline partner safe and full flights, and we remain firmly committed to supporting the company’s developmental plans as it further strengthens its presence and connections to and from Athens.”
The airline also showcased its three-cabin product layout, emphasizing the luxury of Air Canada Signature Class. Featuring fully lie-flat executive pods with direct aisle access and chef -curated menus, the product targets premium corporate and leisure travelers seeking seamless Transatlantic transit.
Beyond Canada, the routes serve as a streamline gateway to US business hubs, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco allowing transit passengers to clear US Customs efficiently at Canadian Hubs.
