The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a busy travel season between Europe and Canada, with August expected to see a record number of flights on this route. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, there will be 4,276 one-way flights from Europe to Canada this month, marking the highest number of flights on record. This increase in travel is part of a decade-long trend, with flights to Canada rising by 40 percent since August 2015. The growth has come from European travelers choosing Canada as a long-haul getaway and Canadians traveling to Europe for summer vacations.

Air Canada has played an important role in expanding its services, offering more flight options and adding new transatlantic routes. This has further boosted travel between the two regions. With these new additions, both Europe and Canada are making the most of the renewed enthusiasm for international travel, especially after the pandemic.

Record-Breaking Flight Numbers and Trends

Rising Demand for Europe-Canada Flights
The increase in flights from Europe to Canada is part of a larger trend. Over the past decade, travel to Canada from Europe has grown by 40 percent. This August, the 4,276 scheduled flights will provide over 1.2 million available seats for one-way trips. This further highlights the rising demand. There is a 5 percent increase in flights compared to August 2024 and a 14 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in August 2019. These numbers indicate that Europe-Canada travel is bouncing back.

These figures point to a significant change in travel habits. Many European travelers are choosing long-haul trips to Canada this summer, whether for leisure, work, or family visits. Canada is increasingly seen as an attractive destination. Likewise, Canadians are looking to explore Europe during the summer. This growth in both directions reflects a shift in international air travel, as Canadians and Europeans take advantage of easier global mobility.

Air Canada’s Role in the Surge

Additional Flights and New Routes
Air Canada, the national airline, has taken the lead in this travel surge. In August 2025, compared to the same time last year, Air Canada has added 112 more flights from Europe to Canada. This means over 34,500 extra one-way seats for passengers. This represents an 8 percent growth compared to last August, positioning Air Canada as a key player in the transatlantic flight market.

The airline is also launching five new transatlantic routes in August, which will improve travel options for passengers. These routes include:

• Edinburgh to Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
• London Heathrow to Ottawa
• Naples to Montréal-Trudeau
• Prague to Toronto Pearson
• Porto to Montréal-Trudeau

This expansion allows Air Canada to connect more European cities with popular Canadian destinations, making it easier for travelers to visit Canada and supporting the tourism industry.

Fast-Growing European Routes to Canada

Athens, Edinburgh, and Madrid Lead the Way
Among the many European cities with increased flights to Canada this summer, Athens has seen the most significant growth. There is a 63 percent increase in flights from Athens to Canada compared to 2024, making the Greek capital the fastest-growing route. Other cities also experienced significant growth. Flights from Edinburgh to Canada increased by 45 percent, while Madrid’s flights grew by 35 percent. This shows the rising interest in traveling to Canada from various parts of Europe.

The increase in flights from these cities reflects broader changes in European travel habits. More travelers from southern and western Europe are choosing Canada as a destination. Athens, for example, provides Greek travelers with convenient access to major Canadian cities like Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Likewise, Edinburgh and Madrid offer easy connections for passengers from the UK and Spain.

The demand for flights between Europe and Canada is also supported by rising tourism in both regions. More people are eager to explore new places after years of travel restrictions. The addition of new routes and more frequent flights ensures travelers have many options to visit Canada and enjoy its beauty and culture.

The Growing Importance of Montreal, Toronto, and Other Canadian Cities

Top Canadian Destinations
As flights between Europe and Canada increase, certain cities are becoming key destinations for European travelers. Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver are still among the most popular Canadian cities for international visitors. Montréal’s French culture and vibrant arts scene attract many European tourists. Toronto, as Canada’s largest city, offers world-class amenities, cultural attractions, and a diverse food scene. This makes it a favored choice for international travelers.

In addition to these major cities, smaller destinations across Canada are capturing the interest of Europeans. Air Canada’s new routes are helping to introduce less-visited cities like Ottawa and Quebec City to a broader audience. This allows visitors to experience the rich history and cultural diversity of these regions.

Conclusion

A Promising Summer for Europe-Canada Travel
The summer of 2025 is set to be a record-breaking time for flights between Europe and Canada. With over 4,000 flights scheduled for August, travelers from both regions are ready to make the most of increased mobility and the chance to explore new destinations. The surge in flights is driven by growing demand and the ongoing recovery of the global tourism industry.

Air Canada’s expansion of services, with new routes and more flights, plays a crucial role in meeting this surge in demand. European travelers, drawn to the beauty and diversity of Canada, flock to popular spots like Montréal and Toronto, while Canadians take the opportunity to explore Europe as well.

With continued growth expected in the coming months, Europe-Canada flights will remain an essential part of international travel. Whether for leisure, business, or family, the increased number of flights ensures that both European and Canadian travelers can connect easily and discover all that these regions offer.

(Source: Cirium, 2025 Aviation Analytics Report, Cirium Press Release)