Travelers seeking new horizons from Canada and the United Kingdom are being greeted with a wave of fresh flight options this winter, as airlines launch and expand nonstop services to coveted destinations across the Americas and beyond. From the bustling runways of Toronto and Montreal to the historic terminals of Manchester, these new and enhanced routes are reshaping the way passengers connect with the world, while also highlighting the growing appetite for long-haul leisure and family travel.
On February 4, 2026, Air Transat marked a milestone in Canadian aviation by launching its first-ever nonstop flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. Just a day later, on February 5, the Montreal-based carrier inaugurated a direct service from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to the same sun-drenched Brazilian city. According to Canada Aviation News, these new routes position Air Transat as the sole airline offering a direct link between Montreal and Rio de Janeiro, while also bolstering Toronto’s access to South America—a region that, until now, has been underserved by Canadian carriers.
The Toronto-Rio service operates twice weekly, with flights departing on Wednesdays and Saturdays and continuing until June 10, 2026. Meanwhile, Montreal travelers can take advantage of a weekly Thursday departure through June 4, 2026. Both routes are operated with the spacious Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, a choice that brings higher seat capacity and the kind of long-haul comfort travelers have come to expect on transcontinental journeys. For Quebecers, the Montreal-Rio de Janeiro route fills a long-standing gap, offering a direct alternative to the often-circuitous itineraries that previously required connections in the United States or Europe.
The numbers tell a compelling story: approximately 44,000 passengers travel between Canada and Rio de Janeiro annually, with nearly half originating from the Greater Toronto Area. This, according to Canada Aviation News, underscores not just the commercial viability of the new routes, but also the pent-up demand for leisure travel, cultural exchange, and the ability to visit friends and relatives without the hassle of layovers. Airport authorities in both Toronto and Montreal have hailed the launches as strategic additions that enhance Canada’s overall connectivity to South America.
But Air Transat isn’t stopping at Rio. Through its interline partnership with GOL Airlines, passengers arriving in Galeão can seamlessly connect to a host of Brazilian and South American destinations, including São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte. This network expansion means travelers aren’t just limited to Rio—they can explore Brazil’s vast interior or hop onward to neighboring countries with relative ease. As Air Transat continues to position itself as a leading leisure carrier, its strategy of combining exclusive routes, widebody aircraft, and strategic partnerships is paying off, offering Canadians more choices than ever before.
Meanwhile, another Canadian carrier is making waves in the Caribbean. On February 5, 2026, Porter Airlines launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Montréal to Nassau, Bahamas, a move warmly welcomed by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. The new seasonal service arrives at the perfect moment—right at the heart of peak winter travel season—offering Quebecers a direct escape from the cold to the turquoise waters and sun-soaked beaches of Nassau. Porter had already introduced direct flights from Toronto to Nassau the previous year, further strengthening the ties between Canada and the Bahamas.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper emphasized the significance of the new route, stating, "The commencement of Porter Airlines’ nonstop service from Montréal to Nassau reflects our continued focus on strengthening airlift from Canada. Quebec is an important market for The Bahamas, and this direct connection makes it even easier for Canadian travelers to experience our beaches, culture, and warm Bahamian hospitality." Director General Latia Duncombe echoed this sentiment, noting that the service "adds capacity and reflects ongoing interest from the Canadian market. Expanding options for travellers supports steady growth while reinforcing Montréal’s role as a key gateway to The Bahamas."
Part of Porter’s appeal lies in its unique onboard experience. The airline has cultivated a loyal following for its polished yet relaxed service, which includes complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware and premium snacks that elevate the journey from mere transportation to the start of a vacation. For travelers weary of winter, the convenience of a direct flight—no stops, no unnecessary layovers—means more time spent where it matters: on Cable Beach, exploring downtown Nassau, or venturing out to the Exumas.
These Canadian developments mirror a broader trend: rising demand for long-haul routes and greater global connectivity, not just from Canada but also from the United Kingdom. Manchester Airport, for example, has witnessed a significant uptick in flights to Canada, thanks in large part to Air Canada’s decision to operate a year-round service to Toronto. Previously, these flights paused during the winter months, but now, travelers can fly to Toronto four days a week—Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—throughout the year. Air Transat continues its own twice-weekly service, resulting in more flights to Canada from Manchester than ever before.
Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, captured the significance of this expansion: "We're so proud of our role in connecting the North with the world, and these extra flights to Toronto – tripling the number of flights to Canada through the winter – cement our role as the region’s global gateway. Whether it's for leisure, for business, or visiting friends and family, hundreds of thousands of people from our region travel to Canada every year and these extra flights will offer additional choice, opening up easier connections onwards to other parts of Canada and even the US – and also giving more Canadians a chance to discover what the North has to offer."
The data backs up this enthusiasm. In 2025, nearly 100,000 passengers flew directly from Manchester to Toronto, with another 78,000 reaching Toronto via connecting flights. Toronto Pearson International Airport, as the country’s largest hub, offers connections to all 13 Canadian provinces and territories, as well as onward flights to major North American cities. Air Transat flights to Toronto start at £440 return, while Air Canada’s begin at £579, making the journey accessible to a wide range of travelers.
From Toronto, the possibilities multiply. Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, St. John’s in Newfoundland, and Yellowknife are all within reach, each offering its own blend of urban excitement and natural wonder. Notably, Montreal will play host to the 2027 Canada Games, drawing 3,500 athletes to compete in more than 20 winter sports—a reminder that Canada’s appeal extends well beyond its cities to its vibrant sporting culture and breathtaking wilderness.
The surge in new and expanded routes is more than just a matter of convenience. It signals a renewed confidence in international travel and a recognition by airlines and tourism boards alike that today’s travelers crave flexibility, directness, and a little bit of adventure. Whether it’s sipping wine en route to Nassau, marveling at Rio’s iconic skyline, or planning a cross-country Canadian odyssey, the world feels a little more accessible—and a lot more inviting—than it did just a few years ago.
With these new connections, travelers from Canada, the UK, and beyond have more ways than ever to chase the sun, explore new cultures, and reconnect with family and friends across continents. The skies, it seems, are open for discovery once again.