Canada and Turkey Strengthen Tourism Ties with New Air Transat Non-Stop Toronto-Istanbul Flight Route

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Air Transat, a prominent Canadian airline known for its expansive international flight network, has officially introduced a direct non-stop route between Toronto and Istanbul. This exciting new service, set to begin on December 6, 2025, promises to simplify travel for both leisure and business travelers. With two weekly flights operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Air Transat is making it easier for Canadians to explore Turkey, its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and historic sites.

The move also aligns with the growing trend of North American tourists seeking new international destinations, particularly following Turkey’s visa-free travel policy for Canadian citizens, implemented in 2024. This has sparked renewed interest in the region’s many offerings, and Air Transat’s new route aims to capitalize on this surge.

Not only will this new connection allow for easier access to Istanbul, but it will also serve as a convenient gateway for exploring destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Istanbul’s İGA Airport, recognized as the most connected airport in Europe, positions the city as a strategic hub for onward international travel. This addition strengthens Air Transat’s commitment to offering seamless travel options, enhancing its reach and convenience for travelers.

A Direct Bridge Between Canada and Turkey

Air Transat’s new Toronto-Istanbul route represents a significant step forward in strengthening the air connectivity between Canada and Turkey. This direct service opens up a wealth of possibilities for both tourists and professionals, offering an easier way to travel between these two vibrant regions.

Flight Schedule:Departures every Tuesday and Saturday from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).Arrivals at İGA Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey’s largest and most modern international airport.Increased Travel Accessibility:The direct flight saves travelers time by bypassing layovers, making it easier to visit Istanbul for business meetings, cultural exploration, or vacation.This route will cater to the rising demand for European and Asian connections from Canada.Boosting Turkish Tourism with Direct Connections

The addition of a direct flight from Toronto to Istanbul is expected to significantly impact Turkey’s tourism sector, especially given Istanbul’s rich history, diverse culture, and importance as a global business center. Historically, Turkey has been a favorite destination for travelers seeking both leisure and adventure, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia.

Cultural and Historical Attractions: Istanbul’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences offers travelers the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.Business Travel: The Turkish city is a major hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and trade events, making it a strategic destination for professionals across industries.

In addition to Istanbul, travelers can easily connect to other Turkish cities or continue their journeys to neighboring countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Istanbul’s strategic position as a gateway between East and West makes it an ideal hub for global travelers.

Visa-Free Travel Boosts Canadian Interest

The decision by Turkey to lift visa requirements for Canadian citizens, effective from 2024, has provided an immediate boost to the appeal of visiting Turkey. With Canadians now able to enter the country visa-free, the convenience of this policy, coupled with the new non-stop flights from Toronto, has made the region even more attractive.

Visa-Free Travel for Canadians: No visa needed for Canadian citizens to visit Turkey.Growing Interest: This policy has already led to a noticeable increase in bookings to Turkey, particularly in Istanbul and other popular tourist destinations.

The direct route will serve not just leisure travelers, but also business professionals taking advantage of Turkey’s growing economy and international trade relations.

Istanbul: Europe’s Most Connected Airport

Istanbul’s İGA Airport (Istanbul Grand Airport) is one of the world’s busiest and most connected airports, making it the perfect starting point for further travel. According to the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report by Airports Council International (ACI Europe), İGA Istanbul has been recognized as Europe’s most connected airport for the second consecutive year. This status enhances Istanbul’s position as a major hub for travelers, providing excellent connectivity options to other cities around the globe.

Global Connectivity: İGA Istanbul Airport connects to over 300 destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.World-Class Facilities: The airport features state-of-the-art amenities, including luxury lounges, shopping, dining, and efficient transit services, making it a seamless gateway for international travelers.

Travelers flying with Air Transat will have access to these world-class services, ensuring a smooth transition between their flights, whether they are traveling further within Turkey or connecting to another international destination.

Why Air Transat’s New Route is a Game-Changer for Travel

The addition of Toronto to Istanbul is a key milestone for Air Transat as the airline continues to expand its global footprint. Air Transat has long been recognized for providing affordable and accessible travel to top global destinations, and the addition of Istanbul reflects its commitment to growing its network, especially in Europe and Asia.

Enhanced Travel Options: For Canadian travelers, this new route eliminates the need for layovers in European hubs, providing quicker and more direct access to Turkey and beyond.Seamless International Connectivity: Air Transat’s collaboration with İGA Istanbul Airport enhances the ease of travel for Canadians seeking to explore multiple destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.Affordable Luxury: Air Transat offers a variety of seating options, from affordable economy class to more luxurious business class options, catering to a wide range of budgets.

The airline’s commitment to offering quality services at competitive prices makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore Turkey, Istanbul, and the broader region with ease and comfort.

Conclusion: Air Transat’s New Toronto-Istanbul Route – A Gateway to Global Exploration

Air Transat’s new direct Toronto-Istanbul flight route is set to become a major asset for travelers seeking easy access to Turkey and beyond. The combination of visa-free travel for Canadians, Istanbul’s strategic location as an international hub, and the airline’s modern fleet ensures that this new service will be highly sought after. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, this route makes it simpler than ever to discover Turkey and the vast regions it connects to.

As tourism to Turkey continues to grow, and more Canadians discover the convenience of non-stop flights, Air Transat’s expansion is poised to strengthen ties between Canada and Turkey, offering a world of travel opportunities for passengers.

Key Takeaways:Air Transat introduces direct Toronto-Istanbul flights, starting December 6, 2025.The route will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.Canadian travelers benefit from visa-free travel to Turkey, enhancing tourism demand.İGA Istanbul Airport is a major global hub, offering excellent connections across Europe and Asia.Air Transat strengthens its network with more seamless travel options for North American tourists.

This new addition to Air Transat’s flight network represents a fresh opportunity for travelers to explore one of the world’s most exciting regions with ease and convenience.