Canada and Spain have launched historic direct flights between Montreal and Valencia, boosting travel, trade, and tourism between the two regions.

Canada and Spain’s Valencia have officially launched a historic direct air link between Montreal and Valencia, marking a major milestone that fully delivers on the headline by opening a new travel corridor that promises to boost accessibility, stimulate economic growth, and lay the groundwork for long-term tourism collaboration. This new route not only shortens the journey between two culturally rich destinations, but also signals a strategic partnership aimed at deepening tourism ties and expanding market opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. A new era of transatlantic connectivity began this week as a direct air link between Montreal and Valencia officially took off. The newly launched flight, operated by a major Canadian airline, is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging Canada with Spain’s vibrant Mediterranean coast. Designed to boost international arrivals and foster cultural and economic ties, the route marks a strategic step in expanding long-haul tourism offerings in the region The inauguration of the service was marked by a formal launch event in Montreal, where tourism and aviation stakeholders from both countries gathered to celebrate the occasion. The introduction of this direct connection highlights a renewed commitment to strengthening tourism flows between North America and southern Europe. With travel demand rebounding globally, this move comes at an opportune time for destinations eager to capture international market share. Leaders from the regional tourism sector praised the launch, describing the flight as a “gateway to the Mediterranean” and emphasizing its potential to reshape travel trends in eastern Spain. By eliminating the need for stopovers or complex connections, the route is expected to attract a broader demographic of travelers, including leisure tourists, long-stay visitors, and diaspora communities seeking easier access to their roots. The seasonal route will operate through early October, providing Canadian travelers with direct access to Valencia during the height of the summer and early autumn travel seasons. If demand continues to grow, there is potential to extend the service into the winter of 2026, potentially transforming it into a year-round transatlantic corridor. Such continuity would allow for greater planning flexibility for both tourists and industry operators. Beyond the flight launch, the visit to Canada includes a packed agenda of industry meetings aimed at reinforcing the region’s tourism outreach in the Canadian market. Officials are engaging with tour operators, travel agencies, and marketing partners to position Valencia as a leading destination for cultural, coastal, and urban experiences. These conversations are focused on creating tailored travel packages that showcase the region’s diverse appeal. As part of a broader strategy to grow non-European visitor numbers, regional tourism planners are also looking south of the Canadian border. Discussions are currently underway with a leading U.S. airline to reintroduce direct flights between the United States and Valencia. These connections were once active over a decade ago but were discontinued due to low frequency and logistical constraints. Reestablishing them could unlock major tourism growth opportunities. Plans also include the possibility of expanding direct U.S. service to Alicante-Elche Airport, which serves as a secondary gateway to Spain’s southeastern coast. Adding long-haul flights to this airport would diversify arrival points for North American tourists and relieve pressure on Valencia’s airport during peak seasons. Such connectivity improvements form a central part of the region’s vision for sustainable tourism expansion. The new flight represents more than just a transportation milestone—it symbolizes a strategic investment in destination development. With tourism acting as a major economic driver for the region, increased international arrivals can lead to job creation, small business growth, and stronger cultural exchange. This initiative aligns with long-term goals of promoting year-round tourism and reducing seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers. Travel industry experts believe that the direct link will have a multiplier effect across various sectors. Hotels, restaurants, museums, transport providers, and local artisans are all likely to benefit from the influx of Canadian and potentially American visitors. The direct access also makes the region more competitive compared to other Mediterranean destinations that rely on connecting flights or less frequent service.