Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Air Transat is about to make waves in the travel world with a bold new move—launching a nonstop flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Istanbul (IST). Starting on December 6, 2025, this route will cover a massive 5,077 miles (8,170 km), making it the airline’s longest flight in its network. But the excitement doesn’t stop there.

This new service, in partnership with Turkish Airlines (TK), will not only shorten travel times but also grant passengers seamless access to over 300 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It’s a game-changer for Canadian travelers looking to explore or connect through Istanbul’s bustling hub.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new route and the implications for the Canada-Turkey travel corridor.

Air Transat has set its sights on the Toronto-Istanbul route, and it’s a significant expansion. At 5,077 miles, this new nonstop service will be the longest flight in the airline’s roster, outpacing its Toronto-Athens route. For leisure travelers and the 75,000-strong Turkish diaspora in Canada, this marks a major milestone.

The partnership with Turkish Airlines offers passengers more than just a direct route. With Turkish Airlines’ vast global network, travelers can now easily connect to cities across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, making it the ideal choice for those seeking international adventure.

In 2024, nearly 330,400 passengers flew between Canada and Turkey. Toronto to Istanbul was the busiest route, accounting for almost 40% of this traffic. But here’s the kicker—less than 40% of those travelers flew nonstop. So, there’s a clear demand for direct flights, and Air Transat is stepping in to meet that need.

This new route provides a competitive alternative to one-stop flights that often require lengthy layovers in hubs like Frankfurt, London Heathrow, or Cairo. Now, travelers can skip the middleman and head straight to Istanbul, one of the most vibrant and historically rich cities in the world.

The partnership with Turkish Airlines is crucial. By flying with Air Transat to Istanbul, passengers will gain access to over 300 destinations across the globe. Whether you’re heading to the Middle East for a business trip, planning a vacation in Asia, or exploring Africa, this partnership opens up a whole new world of travel possibilities.

For Canadian travelers, this expanded network of connections is more than just convenient. It makes traveling easier and faster, whether you’re visiting family in Turkey, embarking on a cultural journey, or attending international events.

Air Transat isn’t stopping at international connections; they’ve teamed up with Porter Airlines to bring even more domestic travelers into the fold. Thanks to this collaboration, passengers from cities like Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW), Vancouver (YVR), and even the Maritimes can now access the Toronto-Istanbul flight with ease.

The integration with Porter Airlines not only increases domestic traffic to the Toronto hub but also brings convenience to a wider pool of travelers across Canada. This broader national coverage is sure to make the new Istanbul route even more popular.

In a significant move for Canadian citizens, Turkey has removed visa requirements for travelers since 2024. This change makes the Toronto-Istanbul flight even more appealing, as it opens up Turkey’s cultural, historical, and culinary offerings to Canadian tourists without the hassle of applying for a visa.

For many travelers, this is the perfect opportunity to experience Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, or to explore the vibrant local culture and cuisine.

Air Transat’s Toronto-Istanbul route is just the beginning. The airline is positioning itself to become a serious competitor on long-haul routes, which have traditionally been dominated by full-service carriers. This new nonstop flight is a key part of Air Transat’s strategy to grow its long-haul network, and it’s likely that more routes will follow in the future.

As winter schedules approach, the ease of direct flights, faster travel times, and better global connectivity will make this route an attractive option for travelers heading to Turkey and beyond.

As Air Transat continues to expand its long-haul offerings, the Toronto-Istanbul flight is poised to become a key player in the growing Canada-Turkey travel market. With its competitive pricing, direct access, and an expansive partnership with Turkish Airlines, it’s sure to become a go-to choice for Canadian travelers looking to explore Turkey and beyond.