Air Canada and United Airlines are expanding their Canada-U.S. networks for summer 2027, announcing new routes, increased capacity and plans to renew their transborder partnership.
Air Canada will introduce three new non-stop routes connecting Toronto with Louisville, Montréal with Indianapolis, and Edmonton with Newark. The airline will also increase capacity between Edmonton and San Francisco by introducing the larger Airbus A220 aircraft.
United Airlines, meanwhile, is adding seasonal service between Newark and St. John’s, along with new flights from Denver to Ottawa and Québec City. The carrier will also increase service between Washington, D.C., and Québec City and boost daily seat capacity between Denver and Winnipeg by 65%.
The announcements are part of the airlines' Transborder Joint Business Agreement, established in 2022, which has resulted in 20 new Canada-U.S. routes.
“Air Canada and United's long-standing partnership continues to deliver meaningful results for our customers and communities. For nearly three decades, Air Canada and United have worked to facilitate seamless travel and strengthen connectivity between Canada and the United States. Together, since 2022, we have jointly unlocked over 5 million new transborder seats, and in this spirit, Air Canada will soon add new non-stop travel options from Toronto, Montréal and Edmonton for our customers to reach a broader range of global markets,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.
“From Louisville and Indianapolis to Newark, we are giving customers more ways to travel directly to U.S. destinations, together with convenient connections across United’s extensive U.S. network.”
New Air Canada Routes for Summer 2027
Air Canada's three new routes will operate seasonally, with service beginning between April and June.
- Toronto–Louisville: Begins April 28, 2027, operating up to daily through Oct. 31. Service will increase to daily in May.
- Montréal–Indianapolis: Daily service begins June 1, 2027, continuing through Sept. 30.
- Edmonton–Newark: Four weekly flights begin June 1, 2027, operating through Oct. 17.
The Edmonton-Newark route will provide a new non-stop connection to the New York metropolitan area, while the Montréal-Indianapolis service adds another U.S. Midwest destination to Air Canada's network.
United Expands Canadian Connections
United's additions include the return of non-stop service between St. John's and Newark for the first time in more than a decade.
“We are thrilled with United Airlines’ announcement to re-connect YYT and Newark for the first time in more than a decade,” said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s International Airport. “Re-establishing non-stop service to the eastern U.S. seaboard is a strategic priority for our airport and represents a significant air access milestone. This route, made possible through the Transborder Joint Business Agreement between Air Canada and United Airlines, will enhance both business and leisure travel and unlock an extensive onward network of travel options.”
Québec City will also see additional U.S. connections, including new Denver service and increased Washington Dulles frequencies.
"Today's announcements are a game changer for Québec City. A new direct link to Denver, year-round service to Chicago, and five weekly flights to Washington Dulles are exactly the kind of connections our tourism industry and business community need to thrive. Results like these are a direct reflection of the strength of the partnership between Air Canada and United Airlines, and of the confidence both carriers have in our market. We are proud to see that commitment translate into real, tangible benefits for our region," said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
Ottawa will gain Denver as its fourth United Airlines destination, while Winnipeg will see a 65% increase in daily seats on its Denver route.
Airlines Seek Approval to Expand Partnership
Alongside the route announcements, Air Canada and United confirmed they have agreed to renew and expand their Transborder Joint Business Agreement, subject to regulatory approval.
An application has been submitted to Transport Canada seeking approval of the amended agreement.
The airlines say their partnership has carried more than 4.3 million passengers jointly since 2022 and currently provides more than 1,200 connecting Canada-U.S. itineraries.
Approximately two million passengers connecting to or from the United States travel on Air Canada's domestic network annually through the partnership, supporting service to more than 50 Canadian communities.
“Canada is an incredibly important part of United’s international network, and our partnership with Air Canada has made it easier for families and friends to stay connected, supported economic growth, and created new opportunities to explore unique destinations. Our schedule has grown every year since our transborder agreement was signed in 2022, and the new routes and flights we’re announcing today further underscore our commitment to investing in Canada and making travel between our two countries easier,” said United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, Patrick Quayle.
Air Canada and United have worked together since 1996 and are founding members of Star Alliance. Their partnership includes coordinated schedules, connecting itineraries, reciprocal loyalty benefits and rebooking options during travel disruptions.
The new routes will begin rolling out in spring 2027.
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