Valencia has taken a decisive leap forward in strengthening its international air connectivity with the inauguration of two new weekly direct flights from Montreal, Canada, and Oslo, Norway. Just in time for the busy summer travel season, these connections promise to bolster the Mediterranean city’s role as a global tourism and cultural hub.
The two routes—operated by Air Transat and Norwegian Airlines—signal renewed interest in Valencia as both a leisure and business destination. This marks a significant development for Valencia Airport (VLC), which now bridges the city to key North American and Scandinavian markets.
Historic First: Direct Montreal-Valencia Connection
On Saturday, June 22, 2025, Valencia celebrated the arrival of the first-ever direct flight from Canada. Operated by Air Transat, the Airbus A321neo landed at 7:30 a.m. from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, carrying 199 passengers. This momentous occasion marks the first transatlantic air link to Valencia since 2012, reflecting growing global demand for access to Spain’s vibrant eastern coastline.
The flight will operate weekly on Saturdays until October 4, with Air Transat indicating plans to extend the service into the winter season. The Montreal-Valencia route not only enhances tourism but also facilitates business travel and cultural exchange between the Valencian Community and Canada.
Air Transat offers further connectivity from Montreal to major destinations across Canada, the United States, Central America, and South America. This provides Valencians with access to a broader North and South American travel network—ideal for outbound tourism, trade, and diaspora connections.
Marián Cano, the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, described the route as “a breakthrough in our international connectivity.” At a formal launch event in Montreal last week, Cano emphasized the importance of transoceanic routes in expanding Valencia’s global tourism and economic footprint.
Aena, the Spanish airport authority, hailed the event as a “historic milestone” for regional aviation. The arrival ceremony in Valencia featured notable attendees including Paula Llobet, Councilor for Tourism and Investment; Tono Franco, Director of Visit Valencia; and Air Transat’s Spain Commercial Director David Alcaraz.
Adding to the celebration, Canadian travel agents and youth football players from the Valencia CF Academy Canada were among the first passengers, spotlighting the multi-dimensional impact of this new air corridor.
Oslo-Valencia Route Reinforces Northern Europe Ties
Simultaneously, Valencia Airport has also launched a weekly summer flight to Oslo-Gardermoen Airport, Norway’s principal aviation hub. Operated by Norwegian Airlines, this service brings northern European travelers closer to the sun-drenched beaches and rich cultural tapestry of Spain’s eastern coast.
The Oslo-Valencia route will run throughout the summer tourism season, meeting strong demand for north-south European travel. It opens up opportunities for both leisure and business travelers, enabling Scandinavian tourists to explore historic landmarks, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, and attend major summer festivals in the Valencia region.
The introduction of this route reflects a wider European trend of reconnecting cities post-pandemic and reviving leisure tourism through smart, targeted route expansion. It also gives Valencians the chance to explore Norway’s fjords, design-driven urban spaces, and world-class outdoor activities.
Boosting Tourism, Culture, and Commerce
Together, the new Montreal and Oslo flights are expected to elevate Valencia’s status as an international gateway. With Canada and Norway already identified as growth markets for Spanish tourism, these direct links are likely to stimulate inbound visitor numbers throughout 2025 and beyond.
Visit Valencia, the city’s tourism foundation, is leveraging these connections to attract long-haul and mid-haul visitors who value immersive travel experiences. Marketing campaigns are being tailored to highlight the city’s UNESCO-listed landmarks, Mediterranean lifestyle, and commitment to sustainability.
Valencia’s growing airport infrastructure, combined with its dynamic tourism offerings—from the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the world-famous Fallas Festival—make it a highly attractive destination for culturally curious travelers.
Beyond tourism, these new routes are also expected to enhance Valencia’s academic, economic, and diplomatic exchanges with Canada and Norway. With strong international student flows, bilateral research initiatives, and cultural collaboration opportunities, improved air access is a welcome development for universities and businesses alike.
Forward-Looking Strategy for International Growth
The newly launched routes are part of a broader strategic plan by the regional government and airport authority to position Valencia as a tier-one European travel hub. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the airport’s route map, attract international carriers, and encourage year-round travel.
More transatlantic and intra-European flights are expected to be added in 2026, aligning with Valencia’s broader goal to reach 10 million annual air passengers by the end of the decade.
Minister Marián Cano reaffirmed the commitment to increasing air accessibility to drive tourism-led economic growth, stating: “With every new direct flight, we unlock fresh opportunities for Valencians and for our international visitors to connect, exchange, and grow together.”
As Valencia continues to build momentum as a forward-looking, globally connected city, the addition of weekly services from Montreal and Oslo represents not just logistical advancement—but a cultural and economic bridge spanning continents.
Conclusion
The introduction of direct weekly flights from Montreal and Oslo to Valencia marks a pivotal moment in the city’s tourism and connectivity agenda. These routes enhance Valencia’s global accessibility, promote cross-cultural exchange, and reinforce the city’s standing as a Mediterranean capital of innovation, sustainability, and tourism.
With summer in full swing and new international doors opening, Valencia is perfectly poised to welcome the world.
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