Air Transat, recognized as the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, is set to revolutionize travel between Canada and Turkey with the launch of a new year-round, non-stop service connecting Toronto and Istanbul. Beginning on December 6, 2025, the airline will operate flights twice weekly, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays, providing travelers a direct pathway to one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. This strategic addition not only solidifies Air Transat’s expanding presence in Toronto but also enhances its extensive network across Canada, making it easier for passengers to explore Istanbul and beyond.
A Key Partnership with Turkish Airlines
In conjunction with this new route, Air Transat has formed a significant interline partnership with Turkish Airlines, one of the largest and most esteemed carriers globally. This collaboration aims to amplify travel options for passengers flying on the Toronto-Istanbul route as well as throughout Turkish Airlines’ vast network. Together, these airlines will offer seamless connections to numerous popular destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, presenting an expanded array of travel opportunities for Canadians. The interline agreement ensures that passengers traveling with either airline can take advantage of enhanced services, including simplified transfers and the convenience of booking connecting flights on a single ticket. This partnership also strategically positions both airlines to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for travel between Canada and Turkey, especially with Istanbul emerging as a pivotal hub for international travel.
Istanbul: A Gateway to Turkish and Global Tourism
Istanbul has long captured the hearts of travelers worldwide, boasting a unique blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city’s magnetic appeal continues to attract millions of tourists each year, drawn to its iconic heritage sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Alongside these historic landmarks, visitors can immerse themselves in Istanbul’s vibrant markets and modern cultural experiences. Since 2024, Canadian citizens have enjoyed visa-free access to Istanbul, further enhancing the city’s attractiveness as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers. With Air Transat’s new non-stop service, Canadians will have an ideal opportunity to discover the diverse tourism offerings Istanbul presents, from exploring ancient ruins to indulging in contemporary art galleries and savoring world-class cuisine.
Air Transat’s Expanding Network in Canada
The introduction of the Toronto-Istanbul route is a vital component of Air Transat’s strategy to broaden its reach within Toronto and across Canada. Beyond the direct flights from Toronto, Air Transat is also leveraging its alliance with Porter Airlines, a partnership that significantly enhances connectivity between Toronto and various regions of the country. Travelers hailing from Western Canada, Ottawa, Montreal, and the Maritimes will find it remarkably easy to connect to the Toronto-Istanbul flights, thus offering them even more options for convenient travel. Air Transat’s footprint in Toronto has been steadily growing over recent years, with the airline committed to providing more convenient travel choices for its Canadian passengers. This new route to Istanbul is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding the airline’s network, increasing capacity on popular routes, and presenting Canadians with a wider selection of international travel options.
Booking and Future Prospects
Tickets for the highly anticipated Toronto-Istanbul route will be available for booking in the upcoming days, and Air Transat is already bracing for strong demand for this new service. The airline is optimistic that this addition to its network will resonate with travelers seeking a direct and affordable way to reach Istanbul, one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. Given the growing popularity of the city coupled with the airline’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, this service is poised to become a cornerstone offering for Air Transat.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 37 years ago, Air Transat has carved out a reputation as a leader in leisure travel, providing passengers with access to a myriad of destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, and North Africa. Celebrated as the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Air Transat is renowned for its exemplary customer service, complemented by a fleet that includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in the aviation industry. With major hubs at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Air Transat serves millions of passengers each year. As part of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ), the airline employs around 5,000 dedicated professionals, all sharing a common mission of connecting people and bringing them closer together.
