Air Canada announces 4 new destinations, 13 new routes in major Latin America push

Travellers check in at Trudeau airport in Montreal, Friday, January 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

As Canadian travel to the United States declines, Air Canada is turning its attention to Latin America with its “largest winter expansion to date.”

The airline has announced four new destinations, 13 new routes and 16 per cent more seat capacity compared to last winter.

“With over 55 daily flights and more than 80,000 seats weekly, Air Canada will offer the most comprehensive offering of any Canadian carrier flying to Latin America,” the airline said in a press release published on May 5.

New destinations include:

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Guadalajara, Mexico

Additional new routes will serve:

• Santiago, Chile
• Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
• Fort-de-France, Martinique
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Huatulco, Mexico

The schedule includes departures from the following cities:

• Toronto - Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadalajara
• Montreal – Santiago, Cartagena, Guatemala City
• Quebec City – Fort-de-France
• Halifax – Nassau, Montego Bay
• Ottawa– Nassau, Montego Bay
• Vancouver – Huatulco

“Our Latin America winter schedule has been built to serve both Canadian and global Sixth Freedom connecting travellers, as well as capitalize on growing cargo opportunities,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada executive vice-president and chief commercial officer.

It comes after Air Canada lowered its financial forecast for the year as travellers shy away from trips to the United States, pushing the country’s largest airline to boost flight capacity outside the U.S. and rein in costs, amid bigger quarterly losses.

Other major Canadian airlines have also made changes to their schedules, including pausing some flights between Canada and the U.S., as well as increasing domestic flights in the wake of lower demand to fly south.

Travel advisories in effect

The federal government advises travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” for several of the new Air Canada destinations, due to crime and safety risks.

In Rio de Janeiro, the Canadian government says travellers should be wary of theft, spiked drinks and increased incidents of kidnapping. In Colombia and Guatemala, visitors are urged to avoid displaying wealth, especially upon arrival, and to be cautious with new acquaintances.

The federal government says travellers to Mexico are also advised to remain vigilant, as violent crime and kidnapping are common in some areas, particularly outside of major tourist zones.

Santiago, Chile sees petty crime such as pickpocketing and occasional protests that can turn violent. In Nassau, Bahamas, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, armed robbery and sexual assaults remain a concern, even in daylight and tourist areas.

By contrast, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and Fort-de-France, Martinique, both French overseas regions, are considered relatively safe, though petty crime may occur.

Click here to see Canada’s full list of travel advisories for countries.

With files from CTV News’ Christl Dabu and the Canadian Press