Air Canada has confirmed its intention to recommence its Australian operation from mid-December 2021, initially only on the Sydney-Vancouver route. Seats can now be booked through all booking channels including aircanada.com and via travel agencies.
Services from Sydney will commence on 17 December, the day Australia’s current biosecurity emergency period – that bans Australians from travelling internationally for leisure purposes – is due to lapse after 21 consecutive months.
Air Canada’s decision follows the loosening of restrictions in Canada last week that enables foreign nationals to fly to Canada who have been vaccinated with approved vaccines at least 14 days prior to departure, and who meet specific entry requirements to enter Canada for non-essential travel.
“As travel restrictions ease across the globe, we are committed to rebuild our international network and continue as a global carrier connecting the world with Canada,” said Vic Naughton, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Air Canada.
“With Australians eager to travel again to Canada, we are ready to reunite customers with their families and friends,” Naughton said.
“Our flights from Sydney to Vancouver conveniently connect to our flights across Canada and the US at our Vancouver hub. With our industry-leading CleanCare+ bio-safety protocols, Air Canada has your health and safety as its top priority. We know people are excited to travel, and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.”
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
Air Canada will operate four flights per week on the trunk route, utilising three-class 300-seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Before the pandemic, Air Canada also operated to Brisbane and Melbourne. A relaunch date of flights to those Australian cities is yet to be advised.
Flight schedule from Sydney (SYD) – Vancouver (YVR):
| Flight | Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Aircraft | Day of Operation |
| AC034 | Sydney to Vancouver | 11:45 | 07:00 | B777-200LR | Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun |
| AC033 | Vancouver to Sydney | 22:30 | 09:05 +2 | B777-200LR | Tues, Wed, Fri, Sun |
Air Canada’s commercial schedule may be adjusted as required, based on the COVID-19 trajectory and government restrictions. Passengers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase.
The Canadian carrier has also introduced a new refund policy applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
For more information, see Air Canada’s newly launched Travel Hub here.
Lead image: Air Canada Boeing 777-200LR landing at Vancouver Airport