EU and Canada lift aviation restrictions

Canada and the European Union (EU) have agreed to open restrictions on aviation between themselves. All EU airlines will now be able to operate direct flights to Canada from anywhere in Europe. In addition all restrictions on routes, prices or the number of weekly flights between the two will be removed.

Once Canada allows European investors to own up to 49 percent of a Canadian carriers’ voting equity (up from 25 percent now) phase two will start. This will allow airlines to operate cargo services to third countries without connection to their point of origin.

Antonio Tajani, European Commission vice-president responsible for transport, said: “The negotiations have been finalised. The new agreement makes the EU-Canada market one of the most open in the world and is a milestone for EU-Canada relations.”