Toronto Joins Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton in Launching New Flight Route to Tirana as Air Transat Introduces Airline Connection, Supercharging Albania Tourism with the Arrival of Canadian Tourists

Published on December 19, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Toronto is the latest Canadian city to join the exciting list of destinations offering direct flights to Tirana, Albania. This groundbreaking new flight route from Toronto, alongside similar services from Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, is set to transform the way Canadians explore Albania.

The launch of this Air Transat airline connection marks a significant milestone in the country’s tourism industry, opening doors to Albania’s stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant landscapes. This new flight service promises to bring a wave of Canadian tourists eager to experience Albania like never before.

With direct flights now available, Albanian tourism is set to soar, as Canadians from Toronto, Montreal, and other cities finally have easy access to Albania’s hidden gems. Albania’s tourism potential is about to take off in a big way. Keep reading to find out why this new connection is a game-changer!

Canada and Albania: A New Era of Air Connectivity Beckons

In a major boost to international travel, Canada and Albania are set to embark on a historic journey together, opening up direct air routes that will change the travel game. For the first time, Canadian travellers can now fly directly from Toronto to Albania’s vibrant capital, Tirana. Thanks to a new air transport agreement signed in December 2025, the once distant Balkan nation is now closer than ever to Canada. But what does this mean for tourism, business, and future connections between the two countries? The sky’s the limit!

This agreement marks a pivotal moment, as Albania joins an elite group of nations with direct connections to Canada. The Transport Canada announcement in December heralded the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Let’s explore what these air routes mean for Canadian cities, Albanian tourism, and the overall travel industry.

Canada to Albania: A Bold Leap Into the Balkans

On 15 December 2025, Canada and Albania officially cemented their new air transport deal. The agreement allows direct flights between major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and potentially Vancouver to Tirana, Albania’s bustling capital. This development is expected to increase tourism and business exchanges between the two countries, providing a boost to both economies. Now, Canadian passengers can hop on a plane and land in Tirana within hours, a far cry from the long multi-stop flights of the past.

Toronto, the largest Canadian city, will be the primary gateway for these inaugural direct services. The new route will open Albania to a growing Canadian market eager to explore the nation’s stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich culture. With Montreal, Vancouver, and other cities soon to follow, the connection between Canada and Albania promises to change the way both countries do business and tourism. Read more on the transport agreement

The First Direct Flight: Toronto to Tirana

In a game-changing move, Air Transat will operate the first-ever non-stop flight between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Tirana International Airport (TIA), starting Summer 2026. With this new route, Canadians will have direct access to the heart of Albania without the hassle of layovers or complicated transfers.

Toronto, as Canada’s largest city and a major international hub, is the ideal launching pad for this new route. The Air Transat flight will make the journey from Canada’s biggest airport to Albania’s capital in under 12 hours, ushering in a new wave of cultural exchanges, business partnerships, and tourism development. The Airbus A330 aircraft will provide a smooth and comfortable flight for those looking to experience Albania’s hidden treasures. Discover more about Air Transat’s direct routes here

Expanding Horizons: Canadian Cities in the Spotlight

While Toronto takes the spotlight as the first direct flight destination, Montreal is also well positioned to benefit from this new air connectivity. Air Canada and other Canadian carriers are already listing Montreal–Tirana flights as available for bookings, although these will likely begin as multi-stop routes for now. Whether through Istanbul, Rome, or Vienna, Montreal-based travellers will soon find themselves with more options than ever before when heading to Albania.

Not to be left behind, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton also appear as major launchpads for flights connecting to Tirana, often via connecting European hubs. These cities, with growing international connections, provide a wealth of opportunities for direct and one-stop flights into Albania. Check Air Canada’s route options here

The Air Canada and Albania Connection: A Partnership for the Future

In addition to Air Transat’s bold move, Air Canada is already listing Tirana as a major destination for its network of global flights. Though not direct yet, the airline’s codeshare partnerships will offer Canadians the easiest possible way to connect to Albania. Flights from cities like Toronto and Montreal will make it easier than ever to experience Albania’s charm, from its Adriatic coastline to its rich archaeological sites. This is just the beginning of a new era for air travel between Canada and the Balkans. As both airlines deepen their routes, we can expect faster, more frequent services in the future, with additional cities being added to the map. Learn more about flight options with Air Canada

What Does This Mean for Albanian Tourism?

With the opening of direct flights, Albanian tourism is expected to see significant growth. The introduction of non-stop flights from Canada will provide a fresh influx of travellers eager to explore the country’s stunning beaches, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and delicious cuisine. Albania, often overshadowed by its more famous European neighbours, is now poised to become a hotspot for Canadian tourists looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Whether it’s Adriatic beaches, ancient ruins, or quaint mountain villages, Albania offers something unique that will appeal to all kinds of travellers. This surge in tourism will not only benefit Albania’s hospitality sector but also its local businesses, restaurants, and tourist attractions. See the Albanian Tourism Ministry’s travel guide here.

Air Transat Expands Its Summer 2026 Program with New Routes, Including Toronto to Tirana, Albania

Air Transat, voted the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, is set to transform air travel between Canada and the Balkans with its latest announcement. Starting June 18, 2026, Air Transat will introduce a new non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Albania. This marks a historic milestone, as Air Transat becomes the first North American airline to offer direct flights to Albania.

The new route will be operated once a week, using Airbus A330 aircraft, providing Canadian travellers with a quick and convenient way to explore Albania’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and beautiful Adriatic coastline. This addition is part of Air Transat’s Summer 2026 program, which is set to be the most extensive yet, with nine new routes, increased frequencies, and the annualization of several seasonal services.

Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer of Air Transat, expressed the excitement behind this new route: “Albania is fast becoming a standout destination on the European travel map, and we are proud to be the first airline to serve it directly from North America. This new route, along with the expansion of our network, reflects our commitment to offering more choice, flexibility, and access to inspiring destinations for our passengers.”

New Non-Stop Toronto to Tirana Flight: A Gateway to Albania

The introduction of direct flights from Toronto to Tirana is a significant development for both Canadian and Albanian travel. Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a major hub for international air travel, and this new connection opens up Albania as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, culture lovers, and business travellers alike.

The Air Transat Airbus A330 will operate this once-weekly service, offering a comfortable and efficient flying experience. The route will cater to the growing demand for direct access to Albania, a country with rich historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture that is fast gaining recognition among travellers. Learn more about this new route here.

Air Transat’s Expanding Summer 2026 Program

Air Transat’s Summer 2026 program doesn’t just stop at Albania. The airline will also introduce several other exciting routes, expanding its network across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Notably, Montreal will see the launch of new services to destinations like Agadir, Dakar, and Reykjavik, while Quebec City will benefit from the introduction of new non-stop flights to Marseille and Nantes.

Additionally, Air Transat is annualizing several seasonal routes and increasing flight frequencies on key strategic routes to better serve Canadian travellers. Explore more about Air Transat’s Summer 2026 expansion.

Air Transat’s Network Partnerships: Connecting the World

In addition to expanding its direct routes, Air Transat continues to enhance its network through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with airlines like Porter Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Airlines will expand connecting opportunities for Air Transat passengers, allowing seamless connections across North America, Europe, and South America.

These partnerships provide travellers with more options and flexibility, whether flying domestically within Canada, connecting to Istanbul for global destinations, or accessing new routes to Brazil and South America via GOL Airlines. This strengthens Air Transat’s position as a global leader in leisure air travel, catering to a wide array of destinations and traveller needs.

Air Transat’s Role in Shaping Global Travel

With its new direct Toronto to Tirana flight, along with the expansion of routes and strategic partnerships, Air Transat is set to transform the travel experience for Canadians. This bold move into Albania, alongside the airline’s other international expansions, represents a new era of travel — one where Canadians have more direct access to exciting and unique destinations across the globe. As the airline’s network continues to grow, so too will opportunities for travellers seeking inspiration, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Discover more about Air Transat’s Summer 2026 routes.

A Bright Future for Canadian-Albanian Air Travel

The introduction of direct air routes between Canada and Albania is a major turning point in the travel world. The growth of bilateral tourism, the opening of new business avenues, and the exciting opportunity for Canadians to explore Albania’s charm makes this a journey worth taking. What was once a difficult-to-reach destination is now only a plane ride away. From Toronto to Tirana, these new air services are set to propel both countries into a new era of global connections.

The future of Canada-Albania relations looks brighter than ever, with travel between these two nations growing at a remarkable pace. As the skies open up for direct flights and more passenger services, the Balkans may soon become a staple of the Canadian travel experience.

Top 5 Key Takeaways on Canada-Albania Air Travel

1. Air Transat’s Toronto to Tirana Route: The first direct, non-stop flight from Canada to Albania. Learn more here
2. Air Canada’s Expansion: Montreal and other Canadian cities linked to Albania with one-stop options. Find out more here
3. Boost to Albanian Tourism: The direct connection will boost Albania’s economy and make it a prime tourist destination. Check out the Albanian travel guide
4. New Bilateral Agreement: The agreement opens the door to future collaboration and growth in air traffic between Canada and Albania. See the announcement from Transport Canada
5. Future Prospects: Expect even more flights and faster routes as demand grows. Explore the future