Which New Flights Are Launching from Toronto's Pearson and Billy Bishop Airports?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Toronto's two main airports, YYZ and YTZ, are launching major route expansions for 2026, boosting connectivity across the US, Europe, and Latin America.
Key Takeaways
- •Porter Airlines launches daily Toronto City (YTZ) to Nashville (BNA) service on May 11, 2026, expanding its US network.
- •Air Canada will introduce new daily transborder flights from Billy Bishop (YTZ) to New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington starting Spring 2026, pending US Pre-Clearance activation.
- •Toronto Pearson (YYZ) gains new international connectivity with Air Transat to Istanbul and Albania, Air Serbia to Belgrade, and Air Canada year-round service to Manchester and Copenhagen.
- •The route expansion across both airports reflects a major investment in Canadian air travel, increasing competition and passenger options for both business and leisure travel.
The commercial aviation landscape in Toronto is set for a significant expansion, with Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) announcing a wave of new and expanded routes for 2026. This growth reflects strong post-pandemic demand for both leisure and business travel, particularly to sun destinations and key US cities. Major Canadian carriers, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines, are driving this network development.
Porter Airlines Expands US and Domestic Network
Porter Airlines is aggressively growing its network, focusing on both US transborder and domestic connectivity. A key addition is the new daily service from Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) to Nashville (BNA), commencing May 11, 2026. This route is expected to benefit from the planned US Customs Pre-Clearance facility at the island airport.
From its hub at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Porter is launching a twice-daily service to Boston (BOS) starting May 14, 2026. Additionally, the airline is reintroducing up to 12 weekly flights between YYZ and Quebec City (YQB) beginning May 12, 2026. The carrier is also extending several popular winter leisure routes through the summer, including flights from YYZ to Cancun, Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), and Grand Cayman (GCM).
Air Canada's Major Transborder and International Push
Air Canada is undertaking its most significant expansion at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in decades. Starting in Spring 2026, the airline will launch new daily transborder services to four major US cities from YTZ:
- New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
This new Billy Bishop Airport US flights service is contingent on the opening of the US Customs Pre-Clearance facility at the island airport. The increased frequency aims to serve business travelers with frequent, easy connections.
At Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), Air Canada is bolstering its international offerings. The airline is converting its seasonal routes to Manchester (MAN) and Copenhagen (CPH) into year-round service starting in October 2026. For the Winter 2026-2027 season, Air Canada is adding a new seasonal route to Quito, Ecuador (UIO), beginning December 5, 2026. The carrier is also expanding its Latin America and Caribbean network with new or returning service to destinations like Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Lima (LIM), and Cartagena (CTG).
Other Key International Route Announcements
Several other airlines are contributing to the Toronto Pearson Airport expansion with new international routes:
- Air Transat is adding long-haul leisure options, including service to Istanbul, Turkey (IST), and a new connection to Albania for its Summer 2026 schedule.
- Air Serbia is scheduled to enter the Canadian market with new nonstop service between YYZ and Belgrade, Serbia (BEG).
- WestJet is increasing its Caribbean presence with new routes to Havana, Cuba (HAV), and Samana, Dominican Republic (AZS).
Industry Impact and Passenger Opportunity
This significant increase in new flight routes Toronto signals strong confidence in the Canadian air travel market. The competition on transborder routes, especially with Air Canada and Porter Airlines adding capacity to major US cities from both YYZ and YTZ, is expected to benefit passengers through increased choice and potentially more competitive fares.
The expansion of transborder service Toronto from Billy Bishop Airport, following the implementation of US Pre-Clearance, is a critical development. It allows business travelers to save time by clearing US customs before departure, enhancing the airport's appeal as a downtown gateway. The focus on both year-round European connections and seasonal sun destinations demonstrates a balanced strategy by Canadian carriers to meet diverse traveler needs.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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