Air Transat Launches New Routes to Rio, Istanbul, and More

2026-02-09 companies

Montreal, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Air Transat is expanding its international flight offerings in 2026, adding new nonstop routes, including service to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal, catering to growing travel demand.

Air Transat’s Route Expansion

Air Transat (TSX: TRZ), recognized as the World’s Best Leisure Airline in 2025 [7], is broadening its global reach with new nonstop flights to destinations that include Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, Spain, and France [1]. On February 9, 2026, the airline officially launched these new routes, responding to the increasing global demand for both leisure and business travel [1]. The expansion aims to improve connectivity between Canada and key international markets, boosting tourism and trade [1].

Flights to Rio de Janeiro

As of February 2026, Air Transat has initiated direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal [1]. Flight TS272 departed Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 4, 2026, while flight TS274 departed Montréal–Trudeau International Airport on February 5, 2026 [4]. Air Transat is the sole airline providing a direct connection between Montreal and Rio de Janeiro [4]. The Toronto-Rio de Janeiro route will operate twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and the Montreal-Rio de Janeiro service will run once a week (Thursdays) until June 2026 [1][4].

Additional Routes and Aircraft

In addition to the Rio de Janeiro flights, Air Transat plans to launch flights from Toronto to Istanbul starting in Winter 2025, operating twice weekly [1]. Direct flights between Montreal and Madrid, as well as non-stop service from Montreal to Bordeaux, are also scheduled to begin in Winter 2025 [1]. The airline is utilizing Airbus A330 aircraft, which have approximately 332 seats, for these new routes [1].

Strategic Vision and Partnerships

Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized that inaugurating the non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro from Toronto and Montreal is a significant step in expanding their South American offerings [4][7]. Air Transat has also established an interline partnership with GOL Airlines, which allows passengers to connect through Galeão International Airport to other destinations in Brazil and South America, including São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte [4]. This partnership enhances connectivity and provides more travel options for passengers [4].

Sources

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