Ottawa Announces Increasing Direct Flights to and From China “incrementally” to Boost Trade and Tourism

April 21, 2026 Team Contributor

On April 20, 2026, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon officially announced an “incremental increase” in the number of direct flights permitted between Canada and China.

According to the details of the new arrangement, both Canadian and Chinese airlines are allowed to increase passenger-combination flights and to obtain permits for up to 20 all-cargo flights per week.

Carriers now have “reciprocal access to all points” in each country, meaning more cities besides Toronto and Vancouver can be served.

The development comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January 2026 visit to Beijing, which signalled a reboot of the Strategic Partnership.

Dovetailing trade and tourism

Trade diversification and tourism are twin aims for Ottawa as contours of the relationship get reshaped. This new development needs to be seen through the lens of the Canada-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap, which aims to grow Canadian exports to China by 50% by 2030.

China is the second-largest single-country merchandise trading partner to Canada. In 2025, the two-way merchandise trade totalled $124.8 billion.

The new development will also help boost tourism and streamline supply lines. With 1.7 million people of Chinese origin, representing 4.7% of the Canadian population, travel would become easier.

The diaspora remains a primary driver of VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel, which sustains flight demand.

Looking at recent developments

China recently slashed tariffs on Canadian canola seed (from 85% down to 15%). It also did away with surtaxes on lobster and crab. Increased flights aren’t just for people; they would likely serve as a delivery pipeline for high-value Canadian perishables.

With Canada simplifying rules for international students in April 2026, demand for direct flights from secondary Chinese cities to Canadian education hubs (such as Montreal and Ottawa) is expected to spike.

The strategic reset

For years, Canada resisted increasing flights because Chinese carriers could fly over Russia (saving time/fuel) while Canadian carriers could not.

With yesterday’s announcement, a pragmatic understanding has finally arrived between the two countries, allowing trade, tourism, and development to take precedence.  

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