Air Transat is jubilantly commemorating its 38 years of service by introducing two exciting new nonstop routes from Montreal: Dakar, Senegal and Reykjavik, Iceland. This announcement comes shortly after the airline unveiled additional international routes from both Toronto and Montreal, which include popular destinations like MedellĂn, Colombia; Istanbul, Turkey; Georgetown, Guyana; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Due to rising demand for travel to Valencia, Spain, Air Transat is also increasing flight frequencies on the Montreal route.
The expanded offerings were celebrated on the evening of November 13 in Toronto, involving remarks from Bernard Côté, Senior Director of Brand Communications at Transat. Côté stated, “This expansion is part of our broader strategy to diversify our network and offer more for our travellers. We’re proudly reinforcing our commitment to the Greater Toronto Area and marking an exciting milestone in our continued growth out of Toronto Pearson.”
New Direct Flights to Senegal and Iceland
Starting June 17, 2026, flight services from Montreal to Dakar will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays until October 21, 2026. This service is aimed at fulfilling the needs of the Senegalese community in Quebec while promoting cultural and beach tourism. With the launch of service to Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, Air Transat will become the only Canadian airline providing direct access to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, the route to Reykjavik will commence on June 16, operating until September 27, 2026, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays and Sundays. This new connection opens the door for travelers to experience Iceland’s renowned natural landscapes and hot springs.
Increasing Demand for Valencia
Due to heightened interest, Air Transat will also ramp up services to Valencia, Spain. From June 16 to September 8, 2026, the airline will operate flights twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, reflecting the growing popularity of this Mediterranean hotspot, which was added to the Air Transat schedule last summer.
Building Bridges Through Travel
“We see ourselves as more than just an airline. We like to say that we create bridges – between people, places, cultures and moments that matter,” CĂ´tĂ© remarked, highlighting the transformative power of travel. The new routes aim to provide unforgettable experiences, from Istanbul’s historic cobblestone streets to the lively neighborhood vibes of MedellĂn.
A Cultural Celebration in Brazil
The announcement of the Rio de Janeiro route is particularly opportune, scheduled to launch just weeks before Brazil’s world-famous Carnival. With three weekly flights planned, this service offers Canadians direct access to one of the globe’s most celebrated cultural events.
Previously Announced Routes
The newly confirmed paths follow earlier announcements of routes from Toronto, including:
- Toronto to MedellĂn, Colombia: Launched November 1, operating twice weekly year-round
- Toronto to Istanbul: Commences December 16, 2025, with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays
- Toronto to Georgetown, Guyana: Operating from December 16, 2025, through April 24, 2026, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Toronto to Rio de Janeiro: Starting February 4, 2026, with flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Montreal to Rio de Janeiro: Launching February 5, 2026, featuring one weekly flight on Thursdays
A Legacy of Excellence
This expansion follows a year of prestigious accolades for Air Transat, including being named World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax for the seventh time—a reflection of the airline’s commitment to exceptional service quality.
“Seven times is not luck – seven times is a legacy,” Côté asserted. “Flying Air Transat means flying with a human-scale airline you can rely on, whether you’re in economy or Club Class.” The airline also acknowledges its destination partners, including tourism boards and airport authorities in Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, Senegal, Iceland, and Turkey, for collaborating in making these new routes a reality.
Air Transat has confirmed more than 45 international destinations for summer 2026, with more to be announced soon.
