The route will be the first-ever nonstop air service between Canada and Norway, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Norway’s long-haul connectivity and open up new international markets.
The new service is planned as a seasonal route operating from early June through late October 2027, with four weekly flights between Oslo and Toronto. For Norwegian travelers, the route provides direct access to Canada’s largest city, while Toronto serves as a major hub offering convenient onward connections throughout North America.
Passengers continuing to destinations in the United States will also benefit from Toronto’s efficient transfer facilities, including U.S. preclearance services before onward departure to U.S. destinations.
– This is extremely positive news for Avinor, the Norwegian tourism industry, and everyone seeking stronger connections between Norway and North America. A direct route to Toronto has long been an important objective, and we are delighted that Air Canada is now planning to invest in Oslo and Norway. The route provides a new link to an important market and sends a clear signal that Norway is an attractive destination for new long-haul services, said Joachim Lupnaav Johnsen, Director Commercial Management and Development.
Four Weekly Flights
Air Canada plans to operate the route using the Airbus A321XLR, a new-generation long-range aircraft with 182 seats. The service is currently scheduled to operate four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The flight is planned to depart Toronto at 8:30 p.m., arriving in Oslo at 10:00 a.m. the following day. The return service is scheduled to depart Oslo at 12:15 p.m., arriving in Toronto at 2:20 p.m. local time.
– Air Canada is bolstering its position in Scandinavia with the addition of Oslo, expanding our network to be the only North American carrier to serve all three Scandinavian capitals, said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo.
– By leveraging the long-range performance of our next-generation Airbus A321XLR aircraft, and as the only carrier to directly link Canada and Norway, this expansion unlocks more opportunities for travellers across our global network and reflects our continued confidence in the region.
Important for Inbound Tourism
Canada represents an attractive market for Norwegian tourism. A direct route from Toronto will make Norway more accessible to Canadian and American travelers and could help generate increased visitor traffic to Oslo and destinations throughout the country.
– Accessibility and direct air services are essential for developing Norway as an international destination. A new route from Canada to Norway will make it easier for Canadian travelers to choose Norway and strengthen the opportunities for Norway’s tourism industry in a market with significant potential, said Aase Marthe Horrigmo, Director of Tourism at Innovation Norway.
Hoping for a World Cup Boost
In recent years, Avinor has worked strategically to expand Norway’s long-haul route network and develop new international markets. The Toronto service is one of the first new long-haul routes connecting Oslo with a new intercontinental market in many years and could be an important step toward securing additional direct links between Norway and North America.
– For Norway as a destination, accessibility is crucial. When a major North American network carrier chooses Oslo, it strengthens both the national hub airport and Norway’s international position. The timing is also excellent. Interest in Norway as a destination has grown significantly, and we hope the FIFA World Cup in North America will help generate even more interest. Our ambition is for this route to be the first of several new connections to Norway in the years ahead, said Lupnaav Johnsen.
Facts
Route: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – Oslo Airport (OSL)
Airline: Air Canada
Planned launch from OSL: 3 June 2027
Planned season: Early June to late October 2027
Frequency: Four weekly flights
Operating days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Aircraft: Airbus A321XLR
Capacity: 182 seats
Scheduled flight times: Toronto – Oslo: 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 a.m. (+1 day)