Canadians Gain Balkan Access via Air Transat’s Tirana Route
June 23, 2026 Team Contributor
Air Transat has reached a major milestone in Canadian travel with the launch of its new Toronto–Tirana route. On June 18, 2026, flight TS422 took off on the first-ever non-stop service between Canada and Albania, creating a direct air connection with a flight time of approximately 10 hours.
The launch of this route reflects growing interest among Canadian travellers in exploring lesser-known European destinations. Through non-stop flights to Tirana, Air Transat is making Albania easier to reach and positioning it as an appealing choice for Canadian’s summer vacations.
Strong Diplomatic and Industry Support
The new route highlights the strengthening relationship between Canada and Albania, following the bilateral air transport agreement in December 2025. Government officials and diplomats from both Canada and Albania attended the inaugural flight, underscoring the significance of this new transatlantic connection.
Enea Karakaçi, Minister of Energy and Transport of the Republic of Albania, welcomed the move, stating, “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.”
Canada–Albania Connectivity Gains Momentum in Travel Market
Air Transat views the route as a strategic addition to its transatlantic network. The airline aims to capture growing interest in destinations that combine value, culture, and unique travel experiences.
Sebastian Ponce, the Chief Revenue Officer at Transat, said, “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.”
“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.”
A New Gateway for Canadians
The new service goes beyond added convenience for Canadians eager to discover off-the-beaten-path European destinations. With its strategic location, Albania serves as a natural entry point to the Balkans, while also offering easy access to neighbouring Mediterranean regions.
- Easy access to Kosovo, Greece, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
- Close proximity to Croatia and Italy
- Expanding tourism infrastructure and affordability
Air Transat Toronto–Tirana Flight Schedule
| Day | YYZ to TIA (Local Times) | Day | TIA to YYZ (Local Times) |
| Thursday | 10:00 PM – 1:00 PM (+1 day) (9 hours) | Friday | 3:00 PM – 7:15 PM (10 hours 15 minutes) |
Weekly flights will operate every Thursday through October 8, 2026. This service is part of Air Transat’s broader Summer 2026 program, which includes eight new routes and increased frequencies elsewhere.
The Toronto-Tirana debut builds on Air Transat’s track record of first-time route launches, including its Ottawa–London flight service introduced earlier.
About the Author
