by Parm Parmar
Last updated: 3:35 PM ET, Fri June 19, 2026
On Thursday, June 18th, something big happened in Canadian aviation - Air Transat started the only direct flight from North America to Tirana, Albania. The first flight took off from Toronto Pearson and was fully booked.
Dignitaries, Air Transat staff, travel industry partners, and passengers all gathered at the gate to celebrate this special moment.
Howard Liebman, Air Transat's Vice President of Government Relations, described the new route as "a bridge between people, cultures and opportunities," positioning Albania as one of Europe's most compelling emerging destinations, affordable, scenically diverse, and culturally rich.
L-R Albanian Ambassador Dr. Artemis Malo and Howard Liebman, Air Transat's Vice President of Government Relations (Photo Credit: Parm Parmar)
Liebman credited the collaborative efforts of Toronto and Tirana international airports, along with numerous partners who contributed nights, weekends, and holidays to bring the project to life. Air Transat is currently the only airline offering this direct connection.
Bujar Zejnullahu and Dashnor Hasku, the owners of Cancos Travel and TravelOnly, were at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They have been helping the Albanian community in the Greater Toronto Area for a long time. Both of them think Albania is a new and exciting destination in the Mediterranean, similar to Croatia a few years ago. It's a place where people can experience a unique culture, try delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful coastline, all at a lower cost than popular spots like Italy and Greece. The stunning beaches in southern Albania will attract many tourists and Albanians returning home to visit.
Flag of Albania held by Air Transat Staff (Photo Credit: Parm Parmar)
When it comes to addressing clients' concerns about safety or stability, Zejnullahu offers a simple yet effective response: Albania is a democratic country where protests are peaceful and respectful. With direct flights from Canada now available, advisors can breathe a sigh of relief and sell trips to Albania with confidence, without having to navigate complicated flight arrangements.
Zejnullahu gave credit to the Albanian Ambassador Dr. Artemis Malo in Ottawa for making the new route happen. Ambassador Malo was the one who led the negotiations that made it all possible.
Ambassador Malo took the time to thank all the government and industry partners who worked together to bring this route to life. Their efforts and hard work were really appreciated, and it's great to see everything come together like this. The team's dedication and cooperation were key to making this route a reality, and it's a big win for everyone involved.
Ribbon cutting with dignitaries (Photo Credit: Parm Parmar)
Yvan Baker, a Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre and also the Chair of the Canada-Albania Parliamentary Friendship Group, was at the ceremony and said the sold-out first flight was a "proof of concept." The plan to increase trade with countries other than the US is a strategic goal for Ottawa, and they want to make it happen in just ten years.
Baker adds “that having direct flights between countries is a key part of making this goal a reality.” This new flight is not just important for people from Albania and Canada, but also for Canada's overall plan to grow its economy. By having more direct flights, Canada can start to build stronger relationships with other countries and increase trade.
To start, Air Transat will operate Toronto (YYZ) to Tirana (TIA) as seasonal service, running weekly from June through early October.
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