Air Transat has launched year-round nonstop flights between Montréal and Istanbul, expanding Canadian access to Türkiye and onward international destinations. The inaugural service departed Montréal–Trudeau International Airport on 29 October 2026, with the airline confirming the launch the following day.
The route offers up to two weekly services using Airbus A330 aircraft. It gives Québec travellers another direct departure option for holidays, business journeys and visits to friends and relatives.
Through Air Transat’s interline partnership with Turkish Airlines, eligible passengers can also arrange connections beyond Istanbul, including Delhi, Colombo and Beirut.
Montréal Adds Another Canadian Gateway
The Montréal launch complements Air Transat’s Toronto–Istanbul service, introduced in December 2025.
The airline’s original expansion announcement outlined three weekly Toronto departures alongside two from Montréal, creating up to five weekly services.
For Québec passengers, the new route removes the need to travel through Toronto when choosing this airline connection to Istanbul.
Ontario travellers retain their Toronto option, while passengers elsewhere in Canada can compare suitable domestic connections.
However, the international schedule does not establish convenient connections from every Canadian city. Travellers should check domestic arrival times and transfer arrangements before booking.
Operating days may vary by date, making the current timetable important when planning a return journey.
Turkish Airlines Partnership Extends Travel Choices
The interline arrangement connects Air Transat’s Canadian services with selected Turkish Airlines destinations beyond Istanbul.
Delhi in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Beirut in Lebanon illustrate the wider reach available through eligible bookings.
These connections broaden the route’s relevance beyond holidays in Türkiye. They can also serve passengers arranging family visits or longer international itineraries.
Eligible journeys can combine the two airlines on one ticket, with checked baggage transferred under the applicable arrangements.
Nevertheless, passengers should confirm that their selected flights qualify. The partnership does not guarantee every destination, departure or connection will be available together.
The operating airline and transfer duration should remain clear throughout the booking process.
Istanbul Supports Cultural And Multi-Destination Holidays
For visitors staying in Türkiye, Istanbul provides opportunities to combine historic sightseeing with waterfront neighbourhoods and market visits.
Its position across Europe and Asia gives travellers different settings to explore within one city.
The historic peninsula, Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus can form part of a dedicated city itinerary rather than a brief airport connection.
Travellers planning a longer holiday can also investigate onward journeys to other Turkish destinations.
Coastal stays, urban visits and excursions around Cappadocia require different transport arrangements and schedules.
Allowing time in Istanbul before continuing elsewhere may provide more flexibility than building a holiday around a short connection.
Single-Ticket Bookings Simplify Some Arrangements
Combining flights within an eligible reservation can reduce the complexity of managing separate airline bookings.
For families and long-distance travellers, through-checked baggage may simplify the transfer at Istanbul Airport.
However, passengers should establish the procedures applying to their particular itinerary, including boarding passes and any baggage collection requirements.
Separately purchased flights can involve different arrangements, even where the airlines have an interline agreement.
Baggage allowances also require attention because the operating carrier and ticket conditions may affect what is included.
Customers should check the allowance shown for the complete journey rather than assume identical rules across every flight.
Compare Complete Costs Before Booking
The supplied launch information does not establish a fixed Air Transat promotional fare for the route.
Ticket prices depend on travel dates, cabin availability and fare conditions.
Travellers should compare the full cost, including baggage, seat selection and any optional services needed for their journey.
A lower headline price may offer different flexibility or inclusions from another fare.
Passengers arranging onward travel should also consider the length of their connection and any additional accommodation or transport costs.
The twice-weekly Montréal frequency makes departure-date flexibility particularly relevant when matching international flights with holiday plans.
Entry And Stopover Arrangements Need Individual Checks
A confirmed flight reservation does not establish permission to enter Türkiye or an onward destination.
Travellers should check passport, visa and transit requirements for each passenger’s nationality and itinerary.
Those considering a city visit during a connection should establish whether immigration entry is permitted and allow sufficient airport return time.
Turkish Airlines’ Touristanbul programme may provide an option for qualifying transfer passengers, but Air Transat connections should not be assumed eligible.
The Montréal launch expands departure choice and creates additional booking possibilities through Istanbul. Its practical value will depend on suitable schedules, eligible connections and the conditions attached to each traveller’s reservation.
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