On December 5, Air Canada officially inaugurated its new seasonal nonstop service from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG). The carrier will operate three flights per week Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures from Toronto, returning Wednesday, Friday and Sunday through the end of March 2026. The route, flown aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offering Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, marks Rio as Air Canada’s second scheduled destination in Brazil, joining São Paulo.
A New Link Strengthening North–South Connectivity
Tourism officials are optimistic. With Canada among the fastest-growing sources of visitors to Brazil this year, the new direct link is expected to boost travel exchange, business ties and visitor numbers for Rio.
Commenting to Travel Radar, Gustavo Tutuca, Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro said:
“The new Air Canada route is another important step in expanding Rio de Janeiro’s international connectivity. Linking Toronto to Galeão strengthens our presence in the North American market, creates new opportunities for tourism, and increases the flow of visitors to all regions of the state”
The overnight schedule departing Toronto late evening and arriving in Rio the next morning at 7am can be appealing especially to Canadians eager to escape the winter for Brazil’s summer season.
For travellers, the route offers more than convenience: the Dreamliner’s long-haul cabin configuration, combined with Air Canada’s lounge offerings at Toronto Pearson, including the award-winning Signature Suite, and in-flight perks like free onboard texting for Aeroplan members, make the service a strong draw for leisure and business passengers alike.
The launch reflects Air Canada’s broader Latin America expansion this winter, which adds multiple new destinations and increases capacity across sun destination markets. The new schedule for 2025-2026 also includes 13 additional destinations including direct connections to Santiago and Cartagena which are set to begin in mid December from Toronto and Monteral airports.
As Air Canada ramps up its winter 2025-26 schedule, the new Toronto-Rio flight underscores the airline’s commitment to broadening North-South connectivity and meeting rising demand for warm-weather getaways.
What do you think about these new destinations? Let us know in the comment section.
