As winter grips the Northern Hemisphere, a wave of new nonstop flight routes is reshaping how travelers connect between Canada, the UK, South America, and the Caribbean. Airlines are betting big on leisure and family travel, launching direct services that promise to make getaways to sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, and natural wonders more accessible than ever. From Air Transat's ambitious leap into South America to Porter Airlines' fresh link between Montreal and the Bahamas, and Manchester Airport's expanded Canadian network, the skies are buzzing with new possibilities.
On February 4, 2026, Air Transat made headlines by launching its first-ever nonstop flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. The very next day, a similar milestone was achieved from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, marking the inaugural direct service connecting Quebec with Brazil's iconic seaside city. According to Canada Aviation News, these new routes are more than just another addition to the airline's schedule—they represent a significant expansion of Air Transat's South American footprint and address a long-standing demand for direct connectivity between Canada and Brazil.
The Toronto–Rio de Janeiro service now operates twice weekly, with departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and will continue until June 10, 2026. Meanwhile, Montreal–Rio de Janeiro flights are scheduled once a week on Thursdays, running through June 4, 2026. Both routes are flown with the spacious Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, offering enhanced comfort and plenty of seats for eager travelers. For Montrealers, this is a game-changer: Air Transat is now the only airline offering a nonstop connection between Montreal and Rio, eliminating the need for lengthy layovers in the United States or Europe.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Approximately 44,000 passengers travel annually between Canada and Rio de Janeiro, with nearly half hailing from the Greater Toronto Area. The direct Toronto service, therefore, is not just a convenience—it's a necessity. Airport authorities in both Toronto and Montreal have described the new routes as strategic additions to their long-haul portfolios, broadening Canada's air connectivity to South America, a region that has historically been underserved compared to Europe and Asia.
But Air Transat's ambitions don't stop at Rio. Thanks to an interline partnership with GOL Airlines, passengers arriving in Rio de Janeiro can seamlessly connect to key Brazilian and South American destinations, including São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte. This expanded network is especially attractive to travelers with family ties or business interests beyond Rio, and it further cements Air Transat's reputation as a premier leisure carrier linking Canada to high-demand global destinations.
Not to be outdone, Porter Airlines has also made a splash this winter by launching its inaugural nonstop flight from Montréal to Nassau, Bahamas, on February 5, 2026. The timing couldn't be better: February is peak season for Canadians escaping the cold, and the new seasonal service provides Quebecers with a direct, hassle-free route to the warmth and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation welcomed the new flight with open arms, highlighting Quebec as a crucial source market for the islands.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper put it succinctly: "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 new 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."
For travelers, the Porter experience itself is part of the draw. The airline is known for its complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware, along with premium snacks—a touch of hospitality that makes the flight feel like the start of a vacation rather than just a means to an end. With new service from Toronto to Nassau already in place since the previous year, Canadians now enjoy more options and flexibility than ever for their winter escapes.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Manchester Airport in the UK has seen a major increase in flights to Canada, thanks to Air Canada's decision to operate a year-round service to Toronto. As of February 7, 2026, travelers from the north of England can fly to Toronto four days a week—on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—regardless of the season. Air Transat continues its existing two weekly flights, meaning Manchester now boasts more direct flights to Canada than ever before.
Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, captured the spirit of these developments: "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 numbers from Manchester are impressive. In 2025, nearly 100,000 passengers flew directly from Manchester to Toronto, with an additional 78,000 reaching Toronto via connecting flights. With fares starting at £440 return on Air Transat and £579 on Air Canada, these flights are as accessible as they are convenient. Toronto Pearson International Airport serves as a crucial hub, offering connections to all 13 Canadian provinces and territories, as well as to destinations across North America.
For those looking to explore beyond Toronto, the options are plentiful. Air Transat offers return flights to Vancouver (£560), Calgary (£588), Montreal (£512), Halifax (£527), and St. John's (£591), while Air Canada provides access to Yellowknife (£812), the gateway to the northern lights and sub-Arctic adventures. Montreal, in particular, is gearing up to host the 2027 Canada Games, one of the largest annual winter sports events in the world, drawing 3,500 athletes to compete in over 20 sports.
These new and expanded routes reflect a broader trend: airlines are responding to rising passenger demand for long-haul travel, particularly for leisure and visiting friends and relatives. By offering more nonstop options, carriers like Air Transat, Porter Airlines, and Air Canada are not just making travel easier—they're connecting communities, supporting tourism, and opening up new opportunities for cultural exchange.
As the world emerges from the challenges of recent years, these direct flights are more than just a convenience. They're a sign of optimism, a testament to the enduring appeal of travel, and a reminder that sometimes, the shortest distance between two places is a direct flight—and a warm welcome on the other side.