Air Transat will begin nonstop flight service between Montreal and Istanbul Airport in Turkey on Oct. 29, 2026 [1].
The expansion marks a strategic move by the Canadian leisure carrier to increase its footprint in Europe. By connecting Montreal (YUL) to Istanbul (IST), the airline targets one of the busiest airports in Europe by passenger traffic [2].
This new service will provide Air Transat with two nonstop routes into Turkey [3]. The addition of the Istanbul route allows the airline to expand its leisure network and offer more direct options for travelers heading to the region [4].
Flight durations for the new route are reported differently across sources. Some reports indicate the nonstop flight will take approximately 11 hours [5], while other reports suggest a duration of approximately nine hours [6].
Air Transat continues to grow its long-haul offerings from its Montreal hub. The airline is leveraging the high demand for leisure travel to bridge North American markets with key European transit hubs, a move that increases competition among transatlantic carriers.
Because Istanbul Airport serves as a primary gateway for both European and Asian travel, the route is expected to attract a diverse mix of vacationers, and transit passengers. The airline has not released specific pricing or frequency for the flights at this time.
“Air Transat will begin nonstop flight service between Montreal and Istanbul Airport in Turkey on Oct. 29, 2026.”
The launch of this route signals Air Transat's intent to pivot toward high-traffic global hubs rather than relying solely on traditional seasonal vacation spots. By establishing a presence in Istanbul, the airline gains a strategic foothold in a city that acts as a bridge between continents, potentially diversifying its customer base beyond North American leisure travelers.
