Montréal, June 19, 2026 – Air Transat, voted seven times World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, has officially inaugurated its new non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana. The first flight (TS422) took off yesterday evening, marking the launch of the first air link between Canada and Albania.
“As the first and only airline offering a non-stop flight between North America and Tirana, we’re incredibly proud to introduce our award-winning service on this unique route,” declared Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat. “Albania is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most compelling destinations, combining outstanding affordability with a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic experiences. This route strengthens our presence in a high-potential region. It reflects our focus on developing targeted, high-value routes that enhance connectivity while reinforcing our position across the transatlantic network.”
Flights will operate weekly, every Thursday, through October 8, 2026. This exclusive service is introduced as part of Air Transat’s Summer 2026 program, which features eight new routes, selective annualization of services, and frequency increases on several existing destinations. These developments reflect the carrier’s ongoing efforts to broaden its network and expand its offering to customers.
“Air Transat's new nonstop service to Tirana is a great addition to Toronto Pearson's growing international network,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer at Toronto Pearson. “More than 36,000 passengers travelled between Toronto and Tirana last year, underscoring the strong demand for a nonstop connection. This new service creates the first direct link between Canada and Albania, while making it easier for travellers to access destinations across the Western Balkans. We're excited to see this new service take off and provide travellers with even more options to connect to the people and places that matter most to them.”
The route is operated with the Airbus A330-200, a modern wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul comfort. It features a spacious cabin, ergonomic seating, and personal entertainment screens at every seat in both Economy Class and Club Class, ensuring an enhanced inflight experience. Its design provides greater overall comfort, complemented by attentive service and a refined onboard atmosphere.
Positive Reactions Across the Industry
“The launch of Air Transat's direct service between Toronto and Tirana marks a defining moment for Albania's connectivity,” noted Piervittorio Farabbi, Chief Operating Officer at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza. “This first-ever long-haul flight from TIA opens a strategic gateway to North America, bringing Albania closer to one of its most important diaspora communities while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. This milestone reflects the growing international appeal of Albania and the strong confidence that global airline partners place in our market. We are proud to partner with Air Transat on this historic route and look forward to supporting its continued success."
“New direct air links like this one open doors,” said the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade. “This first-ever connection between Canada and Albania means more opportunities for our businesses, our travellers, and the people-to-people ties that strengthen both our economies. Air transport is a vital part of how Canada diversifies its trade and deepens its reach into new markets, and I congratulate Air Transat on this milestone.”
“I am pleased to see our Air Transport Agreement with Albania lead to this new route,” said the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. Air connectivity plays an important role in supporting economic growth, tourism, and international trade. This new non-stop service between Canada and Albania will provide travellers and businesses with greater access to opportunities in both countries while further strengthening commercial and people-to-people ties.”
"The launch of the first-ever non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana marks a historic milestone in the relationship between Albania and Canada,” expressed the Honourable Enea Karakaçi, Minister of Energy and Transport of the Republic of Albania. “This new connection will bring our people closer together, strengthen ties with the Albanian diaspora in Canada, and create new opportunities for tourism, business, investment, and cultural exchange. Albania has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, and improved air connectivity is essential to supporting this growth. We welcome Air Transat’s decision to invest in this route and look forward to further expanding aviation cooperation and connectivity between our two countries."
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World's Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet is primarily composed of some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com
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Photo caption: From left to right : Evan Wainwright, pilot on the TS422 flight; the Honourable Yvan Baker, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Canada – Albania Parliamentary Friendship Group; Her Excellency Dr. Artemis Malo, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Canada; the Honourable Kadri Dakaj, Consul General of the Republic of Kosovo in Toronto, Howard Liebman, Vice President Government Relations at Transat; Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator and Director General at Global Affairs Canada; Piervittorio Farabbi, Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager of Tirana International Airport and Geneviève Mondello, flight attendant on the TS422 flight.
Corporate image bank: transat.com/en-CA/corporate/media
Source: Transat A.T. Inc.
For further information: Marie-Christine Pouliot
Manager, Public Relations & Content Marketing
marie-christine.pouliot@transat.com