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Air Transat has officially launched nonstop flights from Toronto and Montreal to Rio de Janeiro, expanding Canada’s direct access to Brazil. The new routes, inaugurated earlier this month, position the airline as the only carrier offering a direct Montreal–Rio connection. With Airbus A330 service and onward links through GOL Airlines, travellers can now reach Brazil’s cultural capital and beyond with greater ease.

Air Transat is expanding Canada’s direct links to South America with the launch of new non-stop flights to Rio de Janeiro. Earlier this month, the Montreal-based carrier operated its inaugural services from Toronto Pearson and Montréal–Trudeau, marking a milestone for travellers seeking easier access to Brazil’s cultural capital. For the first time, Montreal now has a direct air connection to Rio, creating a streamlined bridge between two culturally vibrant regions.

The first departure, flight TS272, left Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 4. A day later, flight TS274 took off from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, officially inaugurating the airline’s exclusive Montreal–Rio route. With these services, Air Transat strengthens its South American network and responds to growing demand between the two countries.

A direct link to Brazil’s cultural powerhouse

The new Toronto–Rio route operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until June 10, 2026. The Montreal–Rio service runs once weekly on Thursdays until June 4, 2026. Both routes are served by the Airbus A330, which offers spacious cabins for long-haul comfort.

For Montreal travellers, this launch carries particular weight. Air Transat becomes the only airline providing a non-stop connection between Montreal and Rio de Janeiro, eliminating layovers and reducing overall travel time.

Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat, described the move as a bold step in expanding the airline’s South American footprint. He emphasized that these routes facilitate tourism, strengthen family ties, and support cultural exchange between Canada and Brazil.

Responding to rising demand

The launch reflects clear market momentum. Approximately 44,000 passengers travel annually between Canada and Rio de Janeiro, with nearly half originating from Toronto.

Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer at Toronto Pearson International Airport, noted that the new service responds directly to this demand while creating additional options for business and leisure travellers.

In Montreal, ADM Aéroports de Montréal welcomed the first non-stop link to Rio as an opportunity to deepen tourism and economic ties between Quebec and Brazil. Karl Brochu, Vice President of Airport Operations and Air Service Development at ADM, highlighted the route’s potential to strengthen cultural and family connections across continents.

At the Brazilian end, Alexandre Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão, framed the investment as a testament to Rio’s international appeal. Galeão International Airport now adds Montreal as a new direct international gateway, reinforcing the city’s global connectivity.

Seamless onward travel across Brazil

Travellers arriving at Galeão International Airport can continue their journey through an interline partnership with GOL Airlines. This agreement provides convenient connections to major destinations in Brazil and across South America.

From Rio, passengers can access:

• São Paulo
• Porto Alegre
• Recife
• Salvador
• Belo Horizonte

This expanded network opens opportunities to explore Brazil’s diverse regions, from Afro-Brazilian cultural centres in Salvador to the cosmopolitan energy of São Paulo.

Strengthening Canada–Brazil connections

Direct air links enable more than efficient travel. They facilitate exchange across tourism, business, arts, and family networks. With its first Rio departures now successfully completed, Air Transat positions the Brazilian city firmly within reach, reinforcing its commitment to connecting communities across continents.