Montreal’s air network is becoming more diversified in 2026, with new nonstop routes to Africa and Europe and the emergence of a second commercial airport for the metropolitan area. For travellers in Quebec, the practical effect is more direct access to destinations that previously often required a connection.
Africa becomes more directly accessible
Air Transat launched Montreal–Dakar service in June 2026, creating a direct link between Quebec and Senegal. The route reduces reliance on European hubs for some West African journeys and also serves strong family and diaspora travel demand.
Montreal already had significant traffic to Morocco, but the new Agadir route opens direct access to the country’s Atlantic south without requiring a connection through Casablanca, Paris or another hub.
Europe and long-haul connections diversify
Iceland adds a different type of option: a leisure destination in its own right and a northern gateway that complements Montreal’s dense links to France, the UK and continental Europe.
Planned service to Istanbul gives passengers access not only to Türkiye but also to a major connecting hub for the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and South Asia.
A second airport changes the local balance
Passenger expansion at Montréal Metropolitan Airport in Saint-Hubert creates a second commercial platform for Greater Montreal. YUL remains the main international gateway, while Saint-Hubert can absorb selected domestic and regional services.
Montréal-Trudeau is simultaneously undergoing major capacity and access works. A richer route network therefore comes with a period of construction and operational adaptation for passengers.
What changes for travellers?
The biggest change is not simply the number of routes. It is the reduction in forced connections for several markets and the arrival of more airline and airport competition within the region.
Main sources
Air Transat; Aéroports de Montréal; Montréal Metropolitan Airport; airline schedules and announcements published in 2026.
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