Air Canada launches Vancouver-Guangzhou direct flights starting May 4, 2027
Three weekly roundtrips on Boeing 787 Dreamliners will supplement China Southern Airlines' existing service as YVR strengthens ties to mainland China.
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Air Canada will launch year-round direct service between Vancouver and Guangzhou beginning May 4, 2027, operating three roundtrips per week on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Outbound flights depart YVR at 12:35 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Guangzhou at 5 a.m. the following day. Return flights leave Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 9:45 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving at YVR at 6:30 a.m. the same day. Flight duration ranges from approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on direction and wind conditions.
Guangzhou, the capital and largest city of Guangdong province, sits near Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau and functions as a major centre for manufacturing and high-tech industries. Its airport ranks among China's busiest, offering connections across mainland China and throughout Asia.
This marks Air Canada's first direct service to Guangzhou. The route will supplement existing service by China Southern Airlines, which has operated YVR-Guangzhou flights since 2011 with up to five roundtrips per week. Combined with Air Canada's existing year-round direct services to Beijing and Shanghai, the airline will offer up to 24 weekly flights from Vancouver to three mainland China destinations.
Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancouver International Airport, said the new service strengthens the region's position as a Trans-Pacific hub. "As Canada's Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, YVR connects our economy to global markets," Vrooman said. "Air Canada's new non-stop service to Guangzhou further strengthens opportunities for our region."
The expansion comes as YVR rebounds after governments lifted travel barriers. The airport achieved an all-time record of 26.9 million passengers in 2025.
How will this route's pricing compare to China Southern's existing flights?
What booking classes and fare types will Air Canada offer on the route?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When does Air Canada's Vancouver-Guangzhou service start?
Air Canada launches year-round direct service between Vancouver and Guangzhou on May 4, 2027.
How often will Air Canada fly between Vancouver and Guangzhou?
Air Canada will operate three roundtrips per week on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
What are the departure and arrival times for outbound flights?
Outbound flights from Vancouver depart at 12:35 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, arriving in Guangzhou at 5 a.m. the following day.
How many weekly flights will Air Canada offer from Vancouver to mainland China destinations?
Combined with Air Canada's existing year-round direct services to Beijing and Shanghai, the airline will offer up to 24 weekly flights from Vancouver to three mainland China destinations.
