Air Canada has removed its planned direct Montreal-Algiers flights from its summer 2027 schedule, extending the suspension of this key transatlantic route and leaving Air Algérie as the sole operator of direct flights between Canada and Algeria.
Air Canada has confirmed it will not reinstate its direct Montreal-Algiers flights for the summer 2027 season, reversing earlier plans to resume the route and prolonging the suspension of direct air links between Canada and Algeria. The decision, which follows a previous announcement of a temporary suspension due to rising fuel costs, means that the route will remain absent from Air Canada's network for at least another year.
The airline had initially indicated that the Montreal-Algiers service, suspended since 2023, would return in 2027 after a temporary halt for the summer of 2026. However, according to industry sources cited by AeroRoutes, Air Canada has now withdrawn all scheduled slots for the route in its latest timetable update, removing the planned four weekly Airbus A330-300 flights that were set to begin in June 2027.
Rising Costs and Strategic Reassessment
Air Canada attributed the ongoing suspension to the sharp increase in jet fuel prices, which the company says has undermined the financial viability of its less profitable long-haul routes. The airline had previously cited the impact of the crisis in Iran on global fuel prices as a key factor in its decision to suspend several international services, including Montreal-Algiers.
This latest move signals a broader reassessment of Air Canada's international priorities, with the company focusing on routes that offer stronger commercial returns. The withdrawal of the Montreal-Algiers service removes a key direct connection between North America and Algeria, affecting both business and diaspora travel.
Air Algérie Retains Exclusive Direct Service
With Air Canada's exit, Air Algérie remains the only carrier offering direct flights between Canada and Algeria. Passengers seeking to travel between the two countries will now have to rely on Air Algérie or opt for connecting flights via European hubs. The absence of competition on the route may have implications for pricing and service levels, particularly during peak travel periods.
The development underscores the vulnerability of transatlantic routes to external cost pressures and highlights the strategic importance of direct air links for diaspora communities and bilateral relations. Industry observers will be watching for any future adjustments to Air Canada's international network and for potential responses from Air Algérie or other carriers.
