Air Canada is expanding its transatlantic footprint in 2025 with a new direct route connecting Edinburgh, Scotland, and Montréal, Canada.
This service establishes the only direct air link between Scotland’s capital and Canada’s vibrant second-largest city.
Set to launch on 27 June 2025, it will foster stronger ties between the two regions.
The Scottish Connection
The new route holds particular significance given the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Scotland and Canada.
An estimated 4.3 million Canadians claim Scottish heritage, and over 1,380 Canadian students are currently pursuing their education at Scottish universities. This direct connection aims to bolster trade, business, and cultural exchange, creating new opportunities for both countries.
Passengers seeking a comfortable and stylish transatlantic journey can enjoy this seasonal service, which operates until September 7.
Air Canada will utilize its modern 737 MAX 8 aircraft, configured with 16 Premium Economy seats and 153 Economy seats, ensuring a pleasant flight for all travelers. Each seat is equipped with a personal touch-screen entertainment system, enhancing the passenger experience.
During the peak summer season, flights will operate three times weekly. Departing Edinburgh on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, passengers will arrive in Montréal in just over seven hours.
Conversely, return flights depart Montréal on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving at Edinburgh Airport the following morning.
Leadership Comments
Margaret Skinner, Air Canada’s Senior Director of Sales EMEAI, expressed enthusiasm about the new route. “With the summer season rapidly approaching, we are thrilled to announce another new transatlantic route from the UK to our Montréal hub.”
“Edinburgh has always been a vital market for Air Canada, driven by strong business, tourism, and cultural links between Scotland and Canada. We are proud to expand our presence in the market with this second route for 2025.”
Air Canada’s commitment to the UK market is evident in its extensive network. “With up to 75 weekly flights between the UK and Canada this summer, we are the largest airline in this market,” Skinner added.
“We offer customers not only convenient connections to Canada but also seamless transfers to our global network, including destinations in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the route’s strategic importance. “This is a fantastic addition to our North American connectivity, and we are delighted that Air Canada is adding more options from Scotland’s busiest airport. We see continued demand for direct links between Canada and Scotland, both inbound and outbound, demonstrating the appeal of Edinburgh and Scotland to an international audience.”
Dewar also emphasized Air Canada’s confidence in the Edinburgh market. “This addition is a big vote of confidence from Air Canada in Edinburgh’s market, and we look forward to welcoming this new route later this summer.”
Montréal: A Cultural Melting Pot
Montréal is known for its unique blend of European charm and North American dynamism. It offers travelers a rich tapestry of history, culture, cuisine, and artistic expression. The city’s landscape, sharing similarities with Scotland’s, provides a familiar yet exciting experience for visitors.
Located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montréal is Canada’s second-largest city, boasting a plethora of attractions. Key landmarks include the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica and the historic Old Port. Visitors can also indulge in the city’s renowned bagels and poutine, a local culinary delight.
Montréal is also a hub for world-class festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs comedy festival, both taking place in July. This timing creates a unique connection with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, fostering cultural exchange between the two cities.
Conclusion
Air Canada’s new service complements its existing summer seasonal flights from Edinburgh to Toronto. This service operates up to seven times weekly during peak season.
With this addition, Air Canada will offer a total of 75 weekly flights between the UK and Canada this summer, connecting London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh to major Canadian cities like Calgary, Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Beyond Canada, Air Canada’s extensive global network provides seamless connections to destinations across the US, Caribbean, South America, and Mexico.
Passengers flying through Air Canada’s US hubs also benefit from US customs preclearance, streamlining the arrival process by completing immigration and customs formalities before departure. This convenience allows travelers to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, saving valuable time.
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