Montreal Gets a New Istanbul Nonstop – and Asia Connections

Air Transat has begun flying nonstop between Montreal and Istanbul, giving travellers in Quebec another way to reach Türkiye without changing planes. The inaugural flight departed on 29 October, adding a second airline to a route already served by Turkish Airlines. The new service also brings more options for onward journeys, as the Canadian carrier works with Turkish Airlines to connect customers with other destinations.

When Air Transat's Istanbul Flights Operate

• Airline: Air Transat; Airbus A330.
• Route: Montreal-Trudeau (YUL)–Istanbul Airport (IST), nonstop.
• Launch: 29 October 2026; inaugural flight TS314.
• Frequency: Thursdays initially; selected Tuesdays from 15 December.
• Season: Year-round, up to twice weekly.
• Outbound: TS314, 20:50–14:05 next day from November.
• Return: TS315, 16:25–19:05 from November.
• Times: Local; verify the date before booking.

Montreal already has nonstop Istanbul flights with Turkish Airlines, so this is a second airline choice rather than the city's first direct link. Air Transat also operates nonstop flights between Toronto and Istanbul, a route launched in December 2025. Its codeshare agreement lets eligible itineraries combine both carriers on one booking, with checked luggage sent to the final destination. Connecting flights and fares can be searched through Air Transat.

Beyond Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet district, passengers can use Turkish Airlines connections to explore other parts of Türkiye. Flights to Nevşehir put Cappadocia's cave towns and rock formations within reach, while Antalya serves the Mediterranean coast. Asian destinations can also be reached through Istanbul, although the available connections depend on the travel date and the flights offered when booking.

Canadian ordinary passport holders can enter Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. On a single codeshare booking, bags usually travel to the final destination, but Air Transat says customers must collect and recheck them if the second flight leaves on another date. With only one or two Montreal departures weekly, return dates and connection times deserve particular attention.