Air Transat Announces New Non-Stop Route to Tirana (Albania) from Toronto for Summer 2026
Air Transat announced a significant expansion of its international network for the summer of 2026. The program includes new routes, increased frequencies on key services, and the conversion of several seasonal routes into year-round operations, aiming to offer more options and improve connectivity for its passengers.
First Direct Flight Between North America and Albania
One of the most notable announcements is the launch of a direct route between Toronto and Tirana, making Air Transat the first airline to connect North America and Albania directly. The service will begin on June 18, 2026, with a weekly frequency, operated by an Airbus A330.
According to Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer of Transat, Albania is establishing itself as an emerging destination in Europe. This new connection is part of a strategy designed to maximize fleet utilization, support profitable growth, diversify revenue sources, while simultaneously expanding options for travelers.
Comprehensive Enhancement of the Summer 2026 Program
In addition to Tirana, the airline will launch an expanded summer program featuring nine new routes, increased frequencies on flagship services, and the conversion of several routes to year-round operation. This approach aims to build a more robust and flexible network for diverse markets.
→ Air Transat to Connect Toronto with Accra (Ghana) in Summer 2026
Sustained Growth from Quebec City
Air Transat will continue strengthening its presence at Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) with a new direct connection to Nantes. It will operate once a week on Tuesdays between June 2 and October 20, 2026, using an Airbus A321LR.
This enhancement is complemented by:
- An additional frequency to Paris (CDG), reaching up to six weekly flights during peak season.
- The launch of the new Quebec City–Marseille (MRS) route starting summer 2026.
- The conversion of the Quebec City–Fort-de-France (FDF) service to year-round operation. Its inaugural flight took place on December 14.
Sebastian Ponce highlighted that Quebec holds a special place in the airline’s history and that these investments respond to strong demand from travelers in the region.
New Routes Announced for Summer 2026
The program includes the following additions:
- Toronto — Accra: 2 weekly flights starting June 17, 2026
- Toronto — Tirana: 1 weekly flight starting June 18, 2026
- Montreal — Agadir: 1 weekly flight starting June 12, 2026
- Montreal — Dakar: 2 weekly flights starting June 17, 2026
- Montreal — Reykjavik: 2 weekly flights starting June 16, 2026
- Quebec City — Marseille: 1 weekly flight starting May 21, 2026
- Montreal — Ottawa: 3 weekly flights starting May 15, 2026
- Ottawa — London Gatwick: 3 weekly flights starting May 15, 2026
- Quebec City — Nantes: 1 weekly flight starting June 2, 2026
Southern Routes Converted to Year-Round Operation
Air Transat will also convert several connections from Montreal, Quebec City, and Toronto to year-round services, including:
- Toronto — Cartagena — Medellin: 1 weekly flight
- Montreal — Cartagena — Medellin: 1 weekly flight
- Montreal — Guadalajara: service extended until June 27
- Montreal — Pointe-a-Pitre: 2 weekly flights
- Montreal — San Jose: 2 weekly flights
- Quebec City — Fort-de-France: 1 weekly flight
Increased Frequencies on Strategic Routes
The airline will increase operations in several key markets, including:
- Toronto — Berlin: 3 weekly flights
- Toronto — Cancun: 9 weekly flights
- Toronto — Faro: 3 weekly flights
- Toronto — Istanbul: 3 weekly flights
- Toronto — Lima: 3 weekly flights
- Toronto — Venice: 3 weekly flights
- Montreal — Bordeaux: 6 weekly flights
- Montreal — Brussels: 5 weekly flights
- Montreal — Fort-de-France: 2 weekly flights
- Montreal — Madrid: 5 weekly flights
- Montreal — Valencia: 2 weekly flights
- Quebec City — Paris: 6 weekly flights
Alliances Enhancing Connectivity
Finally, Air Transat will continue strengthening its connectivity through agreements with Porter Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Airlines. These partnerships expand connection options on domestic and cross-border routes, as well as links via Istanbul and to destinations in Brazil and South America.
With this program, the Canadian airline presents the most extensive summer schedule in its history, reinforcing its position in the international market and expanding the reach of its global network.
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