Air Canada is set to launch its most substantial expansion at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in 35 years, revealing new routes to the United States and an increase in domestic flights. Starting in Spring 2026, the airline will introduce services to key US cities including New York (LaGuardia), Boston (Logan), Washington, D.C. (Dulles), and Chicago (O’Hare).
The expansion plan also includes boosting domestic flight options from Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) to Montréal and Ottawa, which are Canada’s busiest travel corridors. Beginning in January 2026, Air Canada will offer nine daily flights to Montréal and six to Ottawa, increasing its existing twelve daily flights from this smaller airport to 32.
While this development promises to enhance connectivity for travelers, it comes with challenges, particularly regarding noise and capacity considerations at the downtown airport. Like Porter Airlines, the main operator at Billy Bishop, Air Canada will operate Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft, accommodating around 78 passengers, as the airport’s runways cannot support larger jets.
Next summer, combining operations at YTZ with those at Toronto Pearson, Air Canada plans to offer over 600 daily flights to 124 destinations. All flights from Billy Bishop will feature complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, premium snacks, and wine and beer. Eligible customers will also have access to the Aspire Air Canada Café, providing a quiet environment for work or relaxation before flights, as well as US Customs Pre-Clearance for a smoother travel experience.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the significance of this expansion: “This is our most significant expansion at Toronto Island since Air Canada first served the airport 35 years ago. The new transborder routes will benefit our loyal customers and business travelers by creating efficient connections between Canada’s financial capital and major markets.”
Galardo also noted that the airline’s services at Billy Bishop Airport aim to elevate customer experiences with the incorporation of fast, free in-flight Wi-Fi and exclusive lounge access, enhancing the overall travel process.
RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Airport, affirmed that the new routes will solidify Toronto’s status for both business and leisure travel, highlighting confidence in the future of urban air travel.
Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, the operator managing YTZ’s passenger terminal, forecasted this expansion as a pivotal moment with the upcoming US Customs Preclearance facility. “This will make more destinations accessible, fostering connections and driving economic growth across Ontario and Canada,” she stated.
The competition between Air Canada and Porter Airlines intensified recently, especially as Porter commenced its service from Toronto Pearson earlier this year. Industry analysts, including Robert Kokonis, president of Toronto-based AirTrav Inc., have suggested that this expansion might be a strategic move to counter Porter’s growing market presence.
In response, Porter Airlines humorously noted on its anniversary that Air Canada arrived at their celebration empty-handed, referencing this competitive dynamic on their Instagram account. This social media post resonated with many, garnering significant attention online.
Air Canada’s strategic expansion not only enhances travel options but has received praise from various political figures. Steve MacKinnon, Canada’s Minister of Transport, remarked on how these new flights from Billy Bishop Airport to the US will bolster regional and cross-border connectivity, facilitating easier travel for families and businesses alike. Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, added that this expansion will invigorate the local economy and tourism sector.
