MONTREAL — Air Transat has officially launched nonstop service to Rio de Janeiro, operating its first flights from Toronto and Montreal this week and expanding its footprint in South America.

Flight TS272 departed Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 4, followed by flight TS274 from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport on Feb. 5. With the new routes, Air Transat becomes the only airline offering direct service between Montreal and Rio de Janeiro, providing Canadian travellers with seamless access to one of South America’s most iconic destinations.

The Toronto–Rio de Janeiro route operates twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays until June 10, 2026. The Montreal–Rio de Janeiro service runs once weekly on Thursdays until June 4, 2026. Both routes are operated using Airbus A330 aircraft, offering travellers spacious cabins and onboard comfort for the long-haul journey.

“Inaugurating our non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal is a bold step in expanding our South American offering,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s chief revenue officer. “These routes create a direct bridge between Canada and Brazil, making it easier for travellers to experience Rio’s vibrant culture and for families and friends to reunite across continents. And as the only airline offering a non-stop flight from Montreal to Rio, we are proud to provide an exclusive option that brings Canadians and Brazilians closer together.”

Toronto Pearson officials say the new route responds to growing demand between Canada and Brazil.

“Travel between Canada and Rio de Janeiro is a growing market, with 44,000 passengers travelling annually between these two markets, nearly half of which arrive and depart from Toronto Pearson,” said Kurush Minocher, chief commercial officer, Toronto Pearson. “Air Transat’s new non-stop service responds directly to this momentum and gives our passengers even more options to reach Brazil and the legendary skyline of Rio de Janeiro. We’re proud to support this route and the opportunities it creates for both business and leisure travellers.”

Montreal airport authorities also welcomed the addition of Rio de Janeiro to the destination lineup.

“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome this first non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro, operated by our partner Air Transat. This new route will give travellers the chance to discover a destination known for its vibrant culture and remarkable diversity,” said Karl Brochu, vice president, airport operations and air service development at ADM. “Beyond boosting tourism, this connection will also strengthen economic, cultural and family ties between Quebec and Brazil. We extend our sincere thanks to all the Air Transat teams who worked tirelessly to bring this route to life.”

Travellers flying with Air Transat to Rio de Janeiro can also take advantage of the airline’s interline partnership with GOL Airlines. Through Galeão International Airport, passengers have access to onward connections across Brazil and South America, including São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador and Belo Horizonte, allowing for easier exploration beyond Rio.

Lead image caption: Karl Brochu, Vice President of Airport Operations and Air Service Development at ADM; Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat; The Honorable Bárbara Bélkior de Souza e Silva, Deputy Consul General of Brazil in Montreal; and crew members of flight TS2724 – Photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin 

Flight TS272 crew – Photo credit: Elaine Fancy (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)