Flight Buzz
Europe Canada Flights Hit Record High As Travel Demand Soars In August 2025
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
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)
Alaska Airlines is expanding its international network by opening two new transatlantic routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London Heathrow Airport and Reykjavik, Iceland. Flights are scheduled to begin in spring 2026, marking a significant step in the airline’s strategy to become a global carrier.
The daily flight to London Heathrow Airport will be operated year-round on Alaska Airlines’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers premium class amenities and 34 lie-flat suites in Business Class. The new seasonal route to Reykjavik will be operated daily during the summer months on Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO.
The route launch coincides with the rollout of Alaska’s new global livery, which makes its debut only on the airline’s growing fleet of 787 Dreamliners. Inspired by the energy and spirit of the aurora borealis, the new design incorporates broad horizontal stripes of rich emerald green and deep midnight blue along the fuselage – an homage to Alaska’s natural environment and outstanding heritage, and a contemporary tribute to the iconic liveries from the 1970s and 1980s that link the airline’s past with its future. The aura’s flowing lines, visible in current premium cabins and main livery, give the design lightness, movement, and fluidity.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for,” commented Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines Chief Commercial Officer.
The carrier currently operates four 787-9s and plans to add up to 17 more aircraft by the end of the decade. A new pilot base in Seattle will support long-haul operations such as previously announced routes to Tokyo-Narita (January 2026), Rome (spring 2026), and a new nonstop service to Seoul-Incheon scheduled to launch on 12 September this year.
These steps will allow Alaska to compete more effectively in key transatlantic markets, as London remains the busiest international destination from Seattle, with more than 400 passengers flying between the two cities each day for both business and leisure, and Reykjavik is a bucket-list destination for adventure and outdoor lovers, also serving as a gateway to mainland Europe.
By 2030, Alaska aims to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle. The airline will also leverage partnerships with British Airways and American Airlines to provide broader connectivity through Oneworld Alliance networks.
Tickets for both routes are expected to go on sale later this fall. The London service will operate year-round, while flights to Reykjavik will run from mid-May through early September.
As Alaska Airlines looks to broaden its international presence, the new offerings serve part of a larger commitment to better customer service, premium travel experiences, and expanded global access from the West Coast.
Flight Buzz
Travel To Spain Is On Edge! Ryanair Flights Suffering Massive Delays, How Strike Disrupts Madrid, Alicante, Seville, and Key Airports You Need To Know
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Travellers heading to and from Spain and also Seville, Valencia, Tenerife, Madrid South during the busy August holiday season might run into flight delays this year.
Ground staff from Azul Handling, an important provider for Ryanair, plan to strike for three days, from August 15 to August 17, 2025. The stoppage could disrupt hundreds of Ryanair flights at the country’s biggest airports.
Strike Details: A Threat to Spain’s Tourism Industry
Azul Handling provides essential ground services such as baggage handling, aircraft refueling, and boarding management for Ryanair at several key Spanish airports. The strike, called by the UGT union with backing from CGT, is expected to cause major disruptions at airports across Spain, particularly during peak travel times. The affected airports include Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South.
The work stoppages are planned for three peak travel windows each day:
- 05:00–09:00
- 12:00–15:00
- 21:00–23:59
This disruption comes at a crucial time for Spain’s tourism industry, with the August holiday period being one of the busiest for international travel. Tourists and locals alike will be impacted by the expected delays and cancellations, potentially affecting vacations and tourism experiences.
Impact on Ryanair Flights and Passenger Experience
Ryanair has acknowledged the strike but reassured passengers that it does not anticipate significant delays. However, the airline’s statement highlights that ground services are essential for the smooth operation of flights. The strike may lead to delays in baggage handling, aircraft refueling, and passenger boarding, which could have cascading effects on Ryanair’s flight schedule.
Tourists planning to travel during this period are encouraged to monitor their flight status closely and prepare for potential disruptions. Though Ryanair claims minimal impact, passengers should anticipate longer wait times and possible changes to flight schedules.
Compensation Rights for Affected Passengers
Passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. The regulation grants compensation for delays exceeding three hours or cancellations unless the disruption is due to “extraordinary circumstances.”
The key question regarding this strike revolves around whether it qualifies as an “extraordinary circumstance.” Previous rulings by the European Court of Justice suggest that strikes by subcontracted staff, such as those employed by Azul Handling, may not necessarily exempt airlines from compensating passengers. If the strike leads to significant disruption, Ryanair passengers may be eligible for compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their delay or cancellation.
What Tourists Should Do to Minimize Disruption
Tourists travelling to Spain during the strike period should take proactive steps to minimise the impact of any disruption. Here are a few key recommendations:
- Check Flight Status: Always check the status of your Ryanair flight on the airline’s website or mobile app before arriving at the airport.
- Arrive Early: Given the potential for delays, arriving early will ensure you have ample time for any unexpected changes.
- Prepare for Alternative Plans: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, explore alternative routes or departure times with Ryanair or other airlines.
- Know Your Compensation Rights: Familiarise yourself with your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 to ensure you claim compensation if necessary.
Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Impact on Spanish Tourism
If strikes go ahead and delays pile up, Spain’s tourism sector could feel the heat. Summer is peak travel time, especially for visitors from the UK and across Europe, and serious hold-ups can lead to unhappy travelers. That wave of complaints can linger and harm Spain’s image as the first choice for a getaway. To keep visitor trust, the Spanish government and tourism agencies might have to jump in with extra services or public messages to ready travelers and ease any panic.
Tourism is the backbone of the Spanish economy, and a choke in flights by Ryanair, which serves many key routes, won’t stop with the airlines. Hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas depend on the arriving traffic, so a messy travel schedule can ripple out, squeezing local incomes. Smooth flights, then, are not just about planes in the sky; they’re about keeping the whole tourism chain and Spain’s economy sky-high.
Image credit- Ryanair
The strike, called by the UGT union with support from CGT, will impact all Azul Handling bases, including major airports such as Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, Seville, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South. Work stoppages are planned in three peak travel windows each day:
-
05:00–09:00
-
12:00–15:00
-
21:00–23:59
If no agreement is reached during Wednesday’s mediation meeting at SIMA, the union warns that strikes will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 31, 2025.
Will your flight be affected?
Ryanair has stated that it does not expect major disruptions, but ground services are crucial for normal operations. Without staff to load baggage, refuel aircraft, and manage boarding, delays and cancellations remain possible. Passengers are advised to check flight status in advance and prepare for potential changes.
Are you entitled to compensation?
In many cases, yes. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers can claim compensation for delays or cancellations. However, eligibility depends on whether the strike is considered an “extraordinary circumstance.”
The European Court of Justice has previously ruled that strikes by subcontracted staff, such as Azul Handling, do not always exempt airlines from paying compensation, since they are not entirely beyond the airline’s control.
For Ryanair passengers, this means that claims for compensation may be valid if the strike causes significant disruption.
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