Air Canada to Offer New Daily Flights from Montreal and Toronto to Athens, Greece, Giving Travellers More Flexibility and Enhanced Connectivity for 2026

Air Canada is set to launch new daily flights from Montreal and Toronto to Athens, Greece, starting in 2026. This move aims to offer travellers more flexibility and enhanced connectivity, strengthening the airline’s presence in the European market. With growing demand for international travel and Greece’s popularity as a tourist destination, these new direct routes will provide seamless access to Athens from two of Canada’s busiest airports. This expansion highlights Air Canada’s commitment to improving global connectivity and offering customers more options for their travel plans.

Air Canada, one of Canada’s leading airlines, has made a strategic move in response to the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. In light of the uncertain situation in the region, the airline has suspended its flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv. This decision is part of a broader shift in Air Canada’s operational strategy, as the airline redirects its focus to more stable regions with high travel demand. Among the primary beneficiaries of this change is Greece, which is seeing a marked increase in connectivity with North America for the 2026 travel season.

For the upcoming travel season, Air Canada will operate direct flights between Athens, Greece, and Canada from March to November. This service will be available with daily flights from both Montreal and Toronto, two of the airline’s major hubs. These new offerings align with the airline’s aim to expand its network and ensure that travellers have a seamless and more accessible route to Greece, one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.

The strategic expansion is expected to provide travellers with a broader range of flight options, especially during peak travel periods. Greece, with its rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and Mediterranean charm, continues to attract increasing numbers of international visitors, particularly from North America. Air Canada’s expanded schedule reflects the growing demand for travel to the Greek capital, offering more options for Canadian and North American travellers to visit the destination.

The airline has outlined that during the busy summer months, it will further ramp up its operations, providing additional flight frequencies to accommodate the surge in demand. This adjustment is crucial for ensuring that travellers have the flexibility they need to plan their vacations or business trips to Greece with ease.

• Montreal to Athens: During the peak summer season, Montreal–Athens flights will be operated up to 10 times per week.
• Toronto to Athens: Likewise, flights between Toronto and Athens will run up to 11 times per week.

These increased frequencies will allow Air Canada to cater to a greater number of passengers and help accommodate the rising demand for travel to Greece during the summer months. For travellers, this also translates to more convenient departure times and greater flexibility in their travel schedules, making it easier to book flights that align with their needs.

The announcement comes at an opportune time as Canada also officially recognises March as Hellenic Heritage Month. This observance highlights the significant contributions that Greek Canadians have made to the cultural and social fabric of the country. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing ties between Greece and Canada, fostering a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, history, and heritage.

Air Canada’s decision to prioritize Greece as a key destination underscores the increasing importance of cultural and historical connections between countries, particularly within the context of tourism. As Greek Canadians make up a notable and active part of Canada’s population, the expanded flight schedule offers an additional bridge between the two nations, enhancing people-to-people connections and promoting cultural exchange.

The suspension of flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv has prompted Air Canada to reallocate resources and adjust its strategic priorities for the year. The Middle East, particularly cities like Dubai and Tel Aviv, have traditionally been popular hubs for international travel. However, with the current geopolitical instability, the airline is prioritizing regions that offer greater stability and have a higher and more consistent demand for international flights, like Greece. This shift is likely to be well-received by both leisure travellers seeking vacation destinations and business travellers who need more dependable routes.

While Air Canada’s focus on Greece is clear, the expanded service will not only benefit Greek Canadians but also provide opportunities for other North American travellers to explore Greece’s diverse offerings. From its ancient ruins, stunning islands, and Mediterranean coastline to its vibrant cities like Athens, Greece remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The increased connectivity between Canada and Greece is set to make these attractions even more accessible.

The airline’s decision to increase flight frequencies and focus on high-demand destinations also aligns with a broader trend in the global travel industry, which has seen a rapid recovery in passenger demand after the pandemic. With more travellers eager to return to international destinations, airlines have been quick to adjust their schedules and services to meet this renewed interest. Air Canada’s expansion into Greece is just one example of how airlines are responding to market trends and ensuring that travellers have access to the most desirable destinations.

As Greece continues to grow in popularity as a top European destination, Air Canada’s enhanced services to Athens, coupled with the increase in frequencies, are poised to meet the needs of North American travellers. Whether visiting for leisure or business, the expanded schedule offers flexibility and better connectivity, making it easier to travel between North America and Greece.

Air Canada is launching new daily flights from Montreal and Toronto to Athens in 2026, offering travellers greater flexibility and improved connectivity to Greece, driven by increasing demand for direct international routes.

Air Canada’s decision to focus on Greece as a prime destination for the 2026 season reflects the shifting dynamics of the travel industry in response to changing geopolitical conditions. With increased flight frequencies from Montreal and Toronto to Athens, the airline is offering passengers more choices and greater flexibility for travel to one of Europe’s most culturally rich and historically significant countries. As Greece continues to capture the imagination of travellers worldwide, this move positions Air Canada to be a key player in the growing demand for travel between Canada and Greece.

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Thailand Joins United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Oman, Egypt, Qatar in Struggling with Soaring Airfares, Reduced Flight Schedules, and Delayed Departures Amid Middle East Airspace Shutdown

Thailand has become the latest country to grapple with soaring airfares, reduced flight schedules, and delayed departures, as the ongoing Middle East airspace shutdown disrupts global air travel. Following the lead of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Oman, Egypt, and Qatar, Thailand faces significant travel challenges that are affecting both inbound and outbound flights. The shutdown, prompted by escalating geopolitical tensions, has caused massive delays and flight cancellations across the region, with airlines struggling to maintain normal operations. As a result, travelers are seeing higher ticket prices and fewer available flight options, creating a ripple effect throughout global air traffic, including Thailand’s bustling aviation sector.

Airfares from Thailand to Europe have surged dramatically, with some fares increasing by as much as 100%, following disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. This conflict has led to the closure of key Middle Eastern airspace, creating a ripple effect across the aviation industry. The closure of major airspaces in the region has resulted in a significant reduction in available seat capacity on flights to Europe from Thailand. Consequently, passengers are facing substantial fare hikes as airlines struggle to manage the reduced capacity while demand remains high.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Thai Airways and other carriers operating in Thailand are experiencing limited availability of seats, with prices rising sharply. On March 4, CAAT confirmed that several Middle Eastern airlines, including major Gulf carriers, had suspended flights from Thailand, particularly to Europe. These suspensions have impacted airlines that previously handled over 10,000 passengers per day from Thailand to destinations in Europe, resulting in fewer available flights and a subsequent increase in airfares.

One of the most significant examples of fare hikes can be seen on the Bangkok-London route. CAAT reported that one-way economy fares on Thai Airways International rose dramatically, soaring to over 70,000 baht. This is a steep increase from the typical fare of around 30,000 baht. The increase in fares is not limited to Thai Airways. Singapore Airlines, for example, saw its fares rise to approximately 58,000 baht for the same route.

A check of the Thai Airways website revealed that flights from Bangkok to London were sold out until late the following week, and for the few available seats, the prices were significantly inflated. For example, a one-way economy ticket on Thai Airways was listed at 71,190 baht (US$2,265) on March 15, before dropping to 27,045 baht by March 18. This fluctuation in prices reflects the ongoing instability in air travel as the conflict continues to disrupt regular schedules and operations.

Major Gulf hubs, such as Dubai, have also been severely impacted. Dubai, the world’s busiest international airport, has remained closed for four consecutive days. The closure of Dubai International Airport, which typically handles over 1,000 flights daily, has compounded the situation. This has had a direct impact on heavily traveled routes, such as those linking Australia to Europe, where airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways are key players. A quick review of multiple airline websites confirmed that flights from Asia to London were not only limited but also expensive, with very few near-term bookings available.

The fare increases can be attributed to two main factors: the reduced supply of seats and the strong travel demand. With fewer flights available due to the ongoing airspace closures, airlines are able to charge higher prices, as the market moves closer to its maximum fare levels. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has stated that it has no authority to regulate the prices of international flights. Airline fares are determined by market competition, seasonal demand, and international aviation agreements, meaning that airfares are subject to fluctuations driven by external factors such as the current geopolitical situation.

In addition to the suspension of flights, CAAT also pointed out that rising global oil prices could further exacerbate the situation. If the cost of fuel continues to climb, it could lead to even higher ticket prices as airlines adjust their prices to compensate for increased operational costs. While CAAT has no authority to control ticket prices, it is responsible for overseeing slot allocations, passenger rights, and safety standards. The regulatory body emphasized that it is unable to directly impact fares, but it is working to monitor the situation and ensure that passenger interests are protected in terms of compensation and rebooking options.

The rise in airfares is not limited to outbound flights from Thailand. The reduced availability of flights has led to a situation where airlines are exploring options to manage their cargo operations. Airlines affected by the airspace closures may seek approval from authorities to raise fuel surcharges for cargo services. These surcharges are typically included in the price of passenger tickets and may further increase overall costs for travelers. As of the latest update, no airline had formally requested an adjustment to fuel surcharges, but the situation remains fluid as the conflict continues to disrupt air travel.

In response to the airspace closures, CAAT has reached out to Emirates and Qatar Airways, among other airlines, to discuss ways to assist passengers who have been stranded due to flight cancellations. The discussions focus on options for rebooking, accommodation for stranded passengers, and refunds. This collaboration aims to mitigate the impact of the airspace closures on passengers, although the ongoing volatility of the situation makes it challenging for airlines to offer consistent solutions.

While some airlines have been able to continue operations on Asia-Europe routes, they have been forced to reroute their flights in order to bypass closed Middle Eastern airspace. These rerouted flights now travel via alternative routes, including the Caucasus and Afghanistan to the north or through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to the south. However, these alternative routes are longer, which increases flight times and fuel consumption. As a result, airlines are facing even higher operational costs, further driving up ticket prices for travelers.

Thailand, joining the ranks of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Oman, Egypt, and Qatar, is facing soaring airfares, reduced flight schedules, and delayed departures due to the ongoing Middle East airspace shutdown triggered by rising geopolitical tensions.

The closure of Middle Eastern airspace and the subsequent surge in airfares is a reminder of the profound impact that geopolitical events can have on the global travel industry. While the current situation is driven by the Israel-Iran conflict, it highlights the vulnerabilities within the aviation sector, particularly for international travel routes that rely heavily on airspace in the Middle East. Travelers heading to Europe from Thailand and other parts of Asia are now facing the financial burden of higher prices and longer wait times, with no immediate end in sight to the disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict.

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Thailand Joins Malaysia, Libya, Egypt, Cambodia in UK Foreign Office’s Latest Travel Warnings Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions, Flight Cancellations, and Increased Safety Concerns

Thailand has now joined Malaysia, Libya, Egypt, and Cambodia in the latest travel advisories issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This decision comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to widespread flight cancellations, airspace disruptions, and increased safety concerns. The FCDO has warned UK tourists to exercise heightened caution when traveling to these countries, as the volatile situation continues to impact global travel, particularly in regions with fragile political climates. The advisory aims to ensure that British citizens are well-informed of the risks associated with their travel plans during this unstable period.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released revised travel warnings for Malaysia, Thailand, and Egypt, advising UK citizens of the increasing risks and travel interruptions caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.These advisories outline essential safety information for travelers planning to visit the Far East and Africa, urging them to stay informed and exercise caution.

Travel Disruptions in Malaysia and Thailand Due to Middle East Tensions

The travel disruptions in Malaysia and Thailand are directly linked to the escalating situation in the Middle East, which has caused widespread flight delays, cancellations, and airspace closures. These developments have had a ripple effect across international travel routes, particularly those connecting Europe and Asia. The FCDO has stressed that British travelers to these destinations should be prepared for disruptions and to plan their trips accordingly.

For tourists traveling to Thailand, the FCDO has specifically highlighted regions in the southern provinces where the security situation remains precarious. The provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are considered high-risk areas, and the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province are also experiencing heightened security concerns. Travelers heading to these areas are urged to exercise extra caution and limit their movements in these regions, as the ongoing unrest in the area can lead to unpredictable disruptions.

In addition to these warnings, the FCDO has advised against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line, which passes through these high-risk provinces. This line, which connects the southern part of Thailand to Malaysia, has been a critical transport route for many travelers, but the current situation has made it unsafe for regular travel. Tourists intending to use this route are strongly urged to reconsider their plans and explore alternative travel options.

Additionally, the advisory also covers a 20 km radius around the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Travelers planning to cross or approach this area should exercise caution, as the region is vulnerable to instability due to its proximity to other conflict zones. For those already in Thailand, it is essential to stay informed about the local situation, check for updates from local authorities, and be prepared for any changes to flight schedules or local transportation services.

Egypt Travel Advisory: Focus on Border Areas and Sinai Peninsula

In Egypt, the FCDO has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines, focusing on travel restrictions and safety advice for British nationals. As tensions rise in neighboring regions, including Libya, certain areas of Egypt have been deemed unsafe for travel. The FCDO strongly advises against any travel within 20 km of the Egypt-Libya border. However, the town of El Salloum, which lies on the border, is an exception to this rule, and essential travel to this location is allowed.

The North Sinai Governorate has been classified as an area of significant risk, and the FCDO has placed a complete ban on all travel to this region. The situation in North Sinai remains volatile, with sporadic incidents of violence and unrest. Similarly, the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, particularly areas beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, has been deemed high-risk. Although essential travel to this region is allowed, it is important to note that visitors should avoid the interior parts of the governorate and stick to coastal areas, which remain relatively safe.

The FCDO also urges caution for those planning to visit the Ismailiyah Governorate, located east of the Suez Canal. While the area is not entirely restricted, travelers are advised to limit their movements and only visit if absolutely necessary. Additionally, the area west of the Nile Valley and Delta regions, which has historically been a popular tourist destination, is also considered a high-risk zone. Only essential travel to these areas is recommended.

Despite these restrictions, certain parts of Egypt remain accessible to tourists. Areas such as Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings continue to attract travelers, as they are far removed from the conflict zones in the north. These ancient sites are among the country’s most treasured landmarks and remain key destinations for international tourists. Additionally, the FCDO has confirmed that the Faiyum Governorate, as well as the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, are still open for travel. The Siwa oasis town, which is located in the western part of Egypt, is also accessible to tourists.

For those planning to visit the Giza Governorate, including the iconic pyramids, the area remains safe for tourists. The governorate lies to the northeast of the Bahariya Oasis and is far from the conflict zones in the Sinai Peninsula and other regions of Egypt. However, travelers are advised to exercise caution, stay updated on the latest safety information, and remain vigilant throughout their journey.

Practical Advice for UK Tourists

British travelers are strongly encouraged to review their travel insurance policies to ensure they are adequately covered for any disruptions, particularly those related to unforeseen security concerns and flight cancellations. It is also vital for travelers to monitor local news and international media for any updates on the evolving situation in these regions.

Tourists are advised to sign up for travel advice email alerts from the FCDO to receive real-time updates on safety and security concerns. These alerts will provide timely information on any changes to the travel advisory and will help travelers make informed decisions regarding their plans.

Thailand has been added to the UK Foreign Office’s travel warnings, joining Malaysia, Libya, Egypt, and Cambodia, due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, causing flight cancellations, airspace disruptions, and heightened safety concerns for travelers.

With escalating tensions in the Middle East affecting travel in Malaysia, Thailand, and Egypt, the UK Foreign Office has issued essential guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of British nationals. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, stay informed, and adhere to the latest travel advisories to avoid unnecessary risks. By staying updated on the evolving situation and taking proactive steps, tourists can minimize disruptions and ensure a safer journey.

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