Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat has unveiled two additional routes for its summer 2026 schedule, highlighted by the launch of the only nonstop connection between North America and Albania.
From June 18, 2026, Air Transat will inaugurate once-weekly service between Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). The route will be operated by an Airbus A330, marking a milestone as the first and only direct air link from any North American city to Albania.
Commenting on the announcement, Air Transat Chief Revenue Officer Sebastian Ponce described Albania as “fast becoming a standout destination on the European air travel map.”
While Tirana offers broad connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, it currently has no direct links to the Americas or the Asia-Pacific region. According to OAG Schedules Analyzer data, Wizz Air accounts for more than 60% of TIA’s total capacity.
In addition to the Tirana launch, Air Transat also confirmed a new summer seasonal route between Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) in France. The service will operate once weekly from June 2 to October 20, 2026, using an Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Together, the two routes further strengthen Air Transat’s transatlantic leisure offering and expand its presence in emerging and underserved European markets.