Air Transat has announced it will not operate direct flights to the United States for Summer 2026 and will instead introduce nine new international routes, including services to Ghana, Senegal and Albania.
Summary: Air Transat will suspend all direct flights to the United States for Summer 2026 and is shifting capacity to launch nine new international services, including routes to Accra, Dakar and Tirana.
Air Transat, one of Canada’s largest leisure carriers, has confirmed it will not operate any direct flights to the United States during the 2026 summer season. The carrier says the move responds to changing passenger demand and is accompanied by a major expansion of its international network for Summer 2026.
Why Air Transat is pausing U.S. services
The airline has said it will not operate any direct U.S. routes in the summer schedule, specifically naming previously popular Florida destinations such as Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Air Transat attributes the cancellations mainly to a recent decline in bookings to U.S. destinations, a shift that has influenced its network planning for the season.
Passenger reaction to the cancellations
News of the U.S. cancellations sparked varied feedback from travelers. Canadian snowbirds and regular Florida visitors expressed disappointment about losing direct options, while other customers welcomed the airline’s decisive shift in strategy.
“I won’t even buy airfare if it’s connecting through the U.S.… but the rest of the world, here I come!”
Other social-media responses ranged from praise for the airline’s approach to concern about possible job implications. Some commenters speculated the network changes could lead to staffing adjustments, while others hoped the new routes would produce fresh employment opportunities and travel choices.
“Finally, some big companies taking action!”
“It’s amazing, but let’s be clear, it’s the customers who took action here by deciding not to go.”
New international services in Summer 2026
Rather than serving U.S. points this summer, Air Transat is reallocating capacity to launch nine new routes and expand several existing services. The carrier highlighted launches to West Africa, the Balkans and other leisure markets as part of its most extensive summer programme to date.
- Accra, Ghana – twice-weekly from Toronto beginning June 17, 2026
- Dakar, Senegal – twice-weekly from Montreal beginning June 17, 2026
- Tirana, Albania – weekly from Toronto beginning June 18, 2026
- Reykjavík, Iceland – service from Montreal beginning June 2026
- Agadir, Morocco – service from Montreal beginning June 2026
- Plus additional routes that bring the total new services to nine for Summer 2026
Air Transat’s strategic rationale
Sebastian Ponce, Air Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer, said the carrier’s Summer 2026 plan combines new routes, the annualization of services and higher frequencies on major sectors to make the offering the broadest the airline has produced.
“With nine new routes, the annualization of several services, and increased frequencies on our flagship routes, our Summer 2026 program is the most extensive we have ever offered.”
Looking ahead — will U.S. services return?
Air Transat has not ruled out a comeback to the U.S. market. The airline will reassess U.S. routes when planning its 2026–2027 winter schedule and may reinstate services if market demand warrants it.
Why this matters: For travellers and industry observers, Air Transat’s move signals a shift in where demand is recovering and where carriers see growth. Canadian passengers who relied on direct U.S. flights may need to consider connections or alternate airlines for Florida and other U.S. destinations. At the same time, the new routes create direct options to destinations in West Africa, the Balkans, Iceland and Morocco — markets that may require new visa planning, longer itineraries and different travel preparations. In short: Air Transat’s network reshuffle offers fresh opportunities but also means passengers should check schedules and entry requirements carefully before booking.
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