Canada and Albania, opening doors to the Balkans

TORONTO — Air Transat launched its first nonstop service between Canada and Albania on June 18, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting at Toronto Pearson before the inaugural flight to Tirana.

The weekly service operates every Thursday from June 18 to Oct. 8, 2026, with an approximate flight time of nine hours. It is part of the airline’s summer expansion, which includes eight new routes across Europe, Africa, and North America.

Howard Liebman, Vice President, Government Relations at Transat, said the launch represents a major milestone for both the airline and Canada–Albania relations, highlighting that it connects Canada directly to Albania for the first time and opens access to the wider Balkan region.

He noted strong demand for the route, with the inaugural flight and several early departures fully booked, driven by both tourism and travel to visit friends and relatives within the Albanian and broader Balkan communities.

Air Transat’s summer growth strategy

The Toronto–Tirana route is part of Transat’s summer 2026 expansion, which includes new services connecting Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa to destinations such as Accra, Agadir, Dakar, Reykjavik, Marseille, London Gatwick, and Nantes.

Howard Liebman said the Albania route was launched soon after Canada and Albania established bilateral air rights, allowing the service to begin quickly.

He added that the airline expects strong demand from both the Albanian diaspora and leisure travellers interested in emerging European destinations.

Liebman also noted growing interest from Canadians, saying many travellers are eager to explore Albania due to its affordability, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and proximity to popular destinations like Greece, Italy, and Croatia.

The rising attraction of Albania

A strong supporter of the new route is the Albanian-Canadian community, including Bujar Zejnullahu, co-owner and travel advisor at CanKos Travel by TravelOnly.

With a large portion of his clients having Albanian heritage, he called the launch a historic milestone and said travellers are extremely excited about the first direct service.

He believes Albania has strong potential as a leisure destination, highlighting its scenic southern beaches and growing number of hotels being packaged for Canadian travellers.

Zejnullahu also described Albania as an emerging European hotspot, often compared to Croatia, and noted its rising popularity among international visitors.

He added that travellers are often surprised by Albania’s cultural heritage and the global recognition of people with Albanian roots, while also emphasizing the country’s traditional values of respect and hospitality known as “besë.”

He said Albania remains a safe and welcoming destination, and expects the new nonstop flight to significantly increase Canadian travel demand.

Enhancing relations between Canada and Albania

Dr. Artemis Mallow, Ambassador of Albania to Canada, said the new route is more than a tourism link and represents an important milestone in Canada–Albania relations.

She noted that the launch comes ahead of 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Mallow also thanked government and industry partners for their collaboration in making the route possible.

Howard Liebman added that the nonstop service strengthens connections with the Albanian and Balkan diaspora in Canada and opens new opportunities for business, investment, and cultural exchange, bringing the two countries closer together.

Enhancing trade and travel connections

The inaugural ceremony was also supported by federal officials, including MP Yvan Baker, Chair of the Canada–Albania Parliamentary Friendship Group.

He said the new route supports Canada’s broader goal of strengthening international trade and diversifying beyond the U.S.

Baker explained that people-to-people connections and improved air links help build stronger economic relationships between countries.

He added that the benefits extend beyond travellers, calling the service a win for both nations and all Canadians.

Moving forward

The Toronto–Tirana service is currently planned as a seasonal route until October, though Air Transat is already seeing positive early demand.

Howard Liebman said the airline’s goal is to return with the route in future seasons and potentially extend it, depending on performance.

He added that the focus now is on building awareness and sustaining interest in the new service.

Liebman also said the airline is committed to launching new routes and will adjust based on customer demand, encouraging travellers to explore Albania and the wider region.