Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Canada is served by a large mix of Canadian, US, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Caribbean airlines. The best airline for your trip depends on your departure city, destination airport, travel dates, baggage needs, and whether you prefer a nonstop flight or a connecting itinerary.
Quick Answer
Major airlines flying to Canada include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Delta, United, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and many others. Available airlines and nonstop routes vary by Canadian airport, departure city, season, and travel date.
Key Takeaways
- Air Canada has the broadest Canadian and international network among Canada-based airlines.
- WestJet is a major Canadian airline with low-fare roots, while Flair follows a clearer ultra-low-cost model.
- Delta, United, and American Airlines provide extensive US–Canada connections from their major hubs.
- Porter and Air Transat add useful domestic, transborder, leisure, and international options.
- Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary offer the widest selection of airline and route choices.
- Always check live schedules because many routes operate seasonally or only on selected days.
Which Airlines Fly to Canada?
Dozens of airlines operate flights to Canada. Toronto Pearson alone lists more than 50 airlines serving domestic, transborder, and international destinations. The exact airline choices available to you depend on where your journey begins and which Canadian airport you want to reach.
| Airline group | Representative airlines | Typical Canadian gateways |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian airlines | Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Air North, Canadian North | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax and regional airports |
| US airlines | Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Sun Country Airlines | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Quebec City |
| European airlines | British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, SWISS, LOT and Virgin Atlantic | Primarily Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax |
| Asia-Pacific airlines | Air India, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Air China, China Eastern and China Southern | Toronto and Vancouver, with some service to Montreal or Calgary |
| Middle Eastern airlines | Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Saudia | Mostly Toronto and Montreal |
| Latin American and Caribbean airlines | Aeromexico, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Arajet and Royal Air Maroc | Toronto, Montreal and selected seasonal gateways |
Note: This is a representative list rather than a permanent list of every airline. Airlines regularly add, suspend, or seasonally operate routes. Confirm your exact origin, destination, and travel dates on the airline’s official booking page.
Air Canada: Canada’s Flag Carrier
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier, and a founding member of Star Alliance. Its predecessor, Trans-Canada Air Lines, operated its first flight in 1937 before adopting the Air Canada name in 1964.
As of July 2026, Air Canada reports direct scheduled service to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States, and international markets across six continents. Its principal connecting hubs are Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International Airport.
Air Canada is often the most practical choice for travelers who need:
- Connections between Canadian regional airports and major cities
- A large selection of US–Canada routes
- Long-haul flights between Canada and Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, or the Middle East
- Star Alliance connections on a single itinerary
- Aeroplan points, status benefits, or partner-airline redemptions
Smaller Canadian cities may connect to the rest of the network through Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, or another hub. For example, a traveler leaving St. John’s may find a nonstop flight to one hub and a connecting itinerary to another destination.
Air Canada’s broad domestic network makes it especially useful when an international journey must begin or end at a smaller Canadian airport.
Air Canada Rouge is Air Canada’s leisure operation. It serves selected vacation, sun, domestic, and transborder routes and should not be confused with a separate general-purpose ultra-low-cost carrier.
WestJet: A Major Canadian Airline With Low-Fare Roots
WestJet began flying in 1996 with three aircraft and five destinations in Western Canada. It has since developed into a major Canadian airline with domestic, transborder, Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Asian services.
WestJet reports 192 aircraft and 133 destinations for 2026. Its network is particularly strong in Western Canada, and Calgary serves as its principal global connecting hub. The airline also operates flights from cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, and St. John’s.
Although WestJet retains its affordable-travel roots, describing it only as a low-cost carrier is no longer complete. It now offers several fare levels, premium seating on selected aircraft, long-haul flights, vacation services, airline partnerships, and a broad loyalty program.
The updated WestJet Rewards program uses WestJet points. Existing WestJet dollars were converted at 100 points for each WestJet dollar, and 100 points generally provide CAD 1 toward eligible redemptions.
Pro Tip: Compare the full trip price rather than the first fare shown. Seat selection, checked baggage, carry-on rules, changes, meals, and airport choice can make a higher base fare cheaper overall.
Other Canadian Airlines to Consider
Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines connects destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean. It serves both Toronto Pearson and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Hamilton, and other Canadian cities.
Porter can be particularly useful for travelers visiting Eastern Canada, flying between Canadian cities, or connecting through Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.
Air Transat
Air Transat is a Canadian leisure airline offering flights within Canada and to destinations in Europe, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Its strongest operations are commonly associated with Toronto and Montreal, although seasonal service is available from other Canadian cities.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines uses an ultra-low-cost model. Its lowest fares generally include fewer services, with optional charges for items such as baggage and seat selection.
Flair may offer a low headline price for selected domestic, US, Mexican, Caribbean, and sun routes. Travelers should review the complete fee structure before booking.
Regional and Northern Airlines
Air North, Canadian North, PAL Airlines, Calm Air, and other regional operators provide important service to northern, remote, and smaller Canadian communities. These airlines may connect with larger carriers at airports such as Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, and St. John’s.
Delta Air Lines: Flights From the US to Canada
Delta Air Lines provides flights and connections from the United States to Canadian destinations including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. Available nonstop routes depend on the departure city and season.
Delta’s strongest Canadian connections commonly originate through hubs such as Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis–St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. A traveler departing from a smaller US airport may connect at one of these hubs before continuing to Canada.
Delta’s SkyMiles program allows members to earn and redeem miles on eligible Delta and partner flights. Travelers who already hold Delta status or a qualifying credit card may also value the associated baggage, boarding, or lounge benefits.
United Airlines: Canada Flights Through Major US Hubs
United Airlines serves Canada from US hubs that include Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Denver, Houston, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles. Depending on the route and date, travelers may find nonstop United service or a connection through one of these airports.
| Example airport pair | Typical scheduled time | Approximate air distance |
|---|---|---|
| New York LaGuardia to Toronto Pearson | About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | About 360 miles |
| Chicago O’Hare to Montreal-Trudeau | About 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes | About 750 miles |
| Los Angeles to Vancouver | About 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes | About 1,080 miles |
These figures are planning estimates, not guaranteed operating times. Taxiing, weather, air traffic, routing, winds, and the exact New York-area airport can change the duration.
United’s MileagePlus program may be useful for travelers who frequently use United or another Star Alliance airline. Air Canada and United are both Star Alliance members, which can create additional itinerary and loyalty options.
American Airlines: Flights From the US to Canada
American Airlines lists Canadian destinations including Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg. Not every city is served nonstop from every American Airlines hub, and some service may operate seasonally.
Common connecting points include Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington National. The best hub depends on the traveler’s US departure city and Canadian destination.
The AAdvantage program allows eligible travelers to earn or redeem miles on American and partner airlines. American is a member of the oneworld alliance, which may benefit travelers combining a Canada flight with another international segment.
Why Air Canada Has the Broadest Canadian Network
Air Canada’s role is broader than simply carrying international visitors into Toronto or Vancouver. Its domestic network connects major hubs with provincial capitals, regional airports, and many smaller communities.
This reach is helpful for passengers whose final destination is not a major international gateway. A traveler arriving from Europe or Asia, for example, may be able to continue on the same Air Canada or partner itinerary to Ottawa, Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Quebec City, Saskatoon, Regina, Kelowna, or another Canadian city.
Air Canada also operates accessibility services and publishes assistance information for passengers with disabilities or mobility needs. Travelers requiring assistance should make arrangements directly with the airline before departure and confirm services for every operating carrier on a codeshare itinerary.
What Makes WestJet Different?
WestJet remains closely associated with friendly Canadian service and competitive fares, but its current appeal extends beyond price. The airline offers domestic flights, transborder routes, sun destinations, and long-haul services from selected Canadian cities.
WestJet may be a strong choice when:
- Your journey begins in Calgary or another Western Canadian city
- It offers the only convenient nonstop flight for your travel date
- You collect WestJet points or hold status in its rewards program
- You are booking a WestJet Vacations package
- Its fare includes the services you need at a lower total price
The airline also participates in codeshare and loyalty relationships that can extend its reach beyond flights operated by WestJet aircraft. Always check the “operated by” line before booking because the operating airline controls the onboard service, baggage handling, and many day-of-travel procedures.
International Airlines Flying to Canada
Airlines From the United Kingdom and Europe
Travelers from Europe can find Canadian service from airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, LOT Polish Airlines, Condor, ITA Airways, Iberia, Scandinavian Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
British Airways, for example, lists flights from London Heathrow to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Other European airlines focus on hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Lisbon, Zurich, Rome, Reykjavik, Warsaw, Madrid, or Copenhagen.
Airlines From Asia
Representative Asia–Canada airlines include Air India, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways on selected routes or through partner itineraries.
Toronto and Vancouver usually provide the widest range of nonstop Asian service. Montreal and Calgary may also have direct or one-stop options depending on the country, airline, and season.
Airlines From the Middle East
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia provide Canada-bound options from their respective hubs or through connecting itineraries.
These carriers can be useful for travelers coming from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, or destinations that connect efficiently through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Istanbul, Amman, Cairo, Addis Ababa, or Jeddah.
Airlines From Latin America and the Caribbean
Aeromexico, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Arajet, and other regional carriers serve selected Canadian routes. Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Porter, and Flair also operate flights between Canada and destinations in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Major Airports for Flights to Canada
The airport you choose can affect airline availability, fare, total travel time, and the number of connections required.
| Airport | Code | Best known for |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson International Airport | YYZ | Canada’s largest selection of domestic, US, and long-haul international airlines |
| Vancouver International Airport | YVR | West Coast travel and strong Asia-Pacific and US connections |
| Montreal-Trudeau International Airport | YUL | Quebec, Europe, North Africa, US routes, and Air Canada connections |
| Calgary International Airport | YYC | WestJet connections, Western Canada, the Canadian Rockies, and selected international routes |
| Ottawa International Airport | YOW | Canada’s capital, domestic flights, US routes, and selected international services |
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport | YHZ | Atlantic Canada, domestic connections, US flights, and seasonal European routes |
Other useful airports include Edmonton (YEG), Winnipeg (YWG), Quebec City (YQB), Victoria (YYJ), Kelowna (YLW), St. John’s (YYT), Saskatoon (YXE), and Regina (YQR).
How to Choose an Airline for Canada
Check Whether the Flight Is Truly Nonstop
A search result labeled “one stop” may involve a short domestic connection or a long overnight layover. Review the number of stops, connection airports, total travel time, and whether you must change terminals.
Compare the Total Price
The lowest basic fare may not include a carry-on bag, checked bag, seat selection, changes, or refunds. Add every service you expect to use before comparing airlines.
Compare Canadian Arrival Airports
Toronto Pearson and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport serve different travel needs. Montreal-Trudeau may be more useful than Toronto for parts of Quebec, while Calgary can be more convenient than Vancouver for Banff and the Canadian Rockies.
Review Connection Time and Border Procedures
International connections can require immigration, customs, security screening, terminal changes, or baggage collection. Use the airport’s official connection guide and avoid an itinerary with an unrealistically short layover.
Consider the Operating Airline
A ticket sold by one airline may contain a flight operated by another carrier. The operating airline normally determines the aircraft, cabin service, baggage procedures, check-in desk, and day-of-travel assistance.
Compare Loyalty and Alliance Benefits
Air Canada belongs to Star Alliance, American belongs to oneworld, and Delta belongs to SkyTeam. Alliance membership can help with through-ticketing, mileage earning, status recognition, lounge access, and rebooking, although the exact benefits depend on the fare and membership level.
Warning: Never rely on an old route list when booking. A flight described as direct in a previous season may be unavailable, reduced to selected days, or replaced by a connecting itinerary for your dates.
Travel Documents for Flying to Canada
Canada’s entry requirements depend on your citizenship, immigration status, travel documents, and whether you arrive by air, land, or sea.
Many visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada need a valid passport and an electronic travel authorization, commonly called an eTA. Travelers from visa-required countries generally need a valid visitor visa and passport. US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, dual citizens, students, and workers may have different document requirements.
Check the current Government of Canada entry-requirements page before purchasing a nonrefundable ticket. An airline reservation, eTA, or visa does not by itself guarantee admission at the Canadian border.
Passenger Rights on Flights to Canada
Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations establish minimum airline obligations covering areas such as communication, delays, cancellations, denied boarding, tarmac delays, baggage, refunds, and seating children near an accompanying adult.
The rules can apply to flights to, from, and within Canada, including connecting flights. Your rights depend on the disruption, the airline’s size, the reason for the disruption, and the steps the airline takes afterward.
For current guidance, review the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
After choosing your flight, comfortable footwear can make long terminals and city sightseeing easier. See this guide to the best waterproof sneakers for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly to Canada?
Major airlines include Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Delta, United, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Air India, and many others. The available list varies by airport and season.
Which Canadian airlines offer international flights?
Air Canada and WestJet operate broad international networks. Air Transat focuses heavily on leisure destinations, while Porter and Flair operate selected flights to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and other nearby markets.
Do all airlines fly to every Canadian city?
No. Most foreign airlines concentrate on major gateways such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. Reaching a smaller city may require a connection with Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, or a regional Canadian airline.
Are there budget airlines that fly to Canada?
Yes. Flair Airlines uses an ultra-low-cost model, and other airlines may sell low basic fares with optional charges. WestJet has low-fare roots but now operates a broader hybrid model. Air Canada Rouge is Air Canada’s leisure operation rather than a separate general-purpose budget airline.
Which international airlines operate flights to Canada?
Examples include British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air India, Philippine Airlines, Aeromexico, Avianca, and Copa Airlines.
Do all airlines offer direct flights to Canada?
No. Nonstop availability depends on the departure airport, Canadian destination, date, and season. A carrier may sell a Canada itinerary that connects through one of its hubs or uses a partner airline for one segment.
Which Canadian airport has the most airline choices?
Toronto Pearson generally offers Canada’s largest selection of airlines and destinations. Vancouver is especially strong for West Coast and Asia-Pacific travel, Montreal for Quebec and European service, and Calgary for Western Canada and WestJet connections.
Do I need a visa or eTA to fly to Canada?
It depends on your citizenship, status, passport, and travel circumstances. Many visa-exempt travelers need an eTA when flying to Canada, while travelers from visa-required countries generally need a visitor visa. Check the official Government of Canada requirements for your situation.
Sources
- Air Canada Corporate Profile — Air Canada’s history, network, hubs, alliance membership, and current airport coverage.
- WestJet History — WestJet’s founding, 2026 fleet, destination count, and network development.
- New WestJet Rewards — current WestJet points conversion and redemption information.
- Toronto Pearson Airlines and Destinations — current examples of Canadian, US, and international airlines serving Canada’s busiest airport.
- Government of Canada Entry Requirements — passport, visa, eTA, permanent-resident, and citizenship document guidance.
- Canadian Transportation Agency Air Passenger Protection Regulations — minimum airline obligations for flights to, from, and within Canada.
