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Qantas is looking to increase flights from Sydney to Vancouver over the beginning of 2026.
The Flying Kangaroo has applied for up to seven flights per week on the Canada route over January, dropping to four in the following months, translating to a 68 per cent increase in capacity or around 11,000 extra seats.
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In an application to the International Air Services Commission (IASC), Anna Pritchard, Qantas’ executive manager for policy, industry and international affairs, said the services will be operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner configured with 236 seats.
“Flights between Sydney and Vancouver will increase from three per week to up-to seven per week throughout the busy January 2026 period before reducing to four per week throughout February and March 2026,” she wrote.
“Qantas’ existing allocation of capacity on the Canada route may be used by Qantas to provide code share services with American Airlines, WestJet Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
“The ability to provide code share services with these same airlines is being requested for the additional flights to enhance the range of choices and benefits for consumers.”
The application follows the announcement in November of an “open skies” agreement between Australia and Canada, as well as increased capacity with several other countries under new and updated bilateral air service agreements (ASAs)
Canada and Malaysia will have unlimited passenger capacity to and from Australia starting in 2026, with an immediate increase to 50,000 weekly seats to Malaysia and 50 weekly flights to Canada.
Previously, Canadian airlines could operate 9,000 seats per week into Australia’s four major airports of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with unlimited flights into other airports.
“We’re expanding our international aviation network to increase competition and deliver a better experience for Australian travellers,” Transport Minister Catherine King said last year.
“Whether travelling to these countries or using them as stepping stones to the rest of the world, each of these arrangements represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism.
“We committed to this in our Aviation White Paper and today we are delivering on that commitment – landing additional capacity in the international sector.”
