Two new exclusive routes provide Quebec City travellers with direct access to Provence, the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and the Atlantic coast
Montreal, May 22, 2026 – Air Transat, voted the World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax in 2025, celebrated last evening the launch of its new routes connecting Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport to two major French cities: Marseille and Nantes. These exclusive additions enhance its transatlantic offering from Quebec City and reflect Air Transat’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the French market.
The Quebec City (YQB) – Marseille (MRS) route was inaugurated yesterday and will operate once weekly, on Thursdays, until October 9, 2026. Meanwhile, service between Quebec City (YQB) and Nantes (NTE) will begin on June 2, with one weekly flight every Tuesday through October 20, 2026. In addition, the Nantes route will also be offered during the holiday season, from December 23, 2026, to January 13, 2027, meeting demand for this destination at a key time of year.
“These new routes are part of our diversification strategy from Quebec City and respond to growing interest in distinctive European destinations,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “They open the door to some of France’s most sought-after regions, delivered through a travel experience that reflects who we are: warm, attentive, and comfortable.”
The routes are operated using the Airbus A321LR, a new-generation aircraft combining fuel efficiency with enhanced comfort, enabling non-stop transatlantic flights from Quebec City. Onboard, travellers enjoy individual screens with French-language content, a complimentary meal, and a modern cabin designed for long-haul travel. The aircraft also features an intimate 12-seat Club Class, offering personalized, high-quality service for an elevated travel experience.
“With the addition of two new direct routes to Europe, Air Transat is responding to clear demand from travellers across the Quebec City region and beyond who are seeking access to an even-expanding range of European destinations,” said Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB. “The arrival of flights to Marseille and Nantes from Quebec City reflects the airline’s renewed confidence in our market and reinforces YQB’s role as a preferred gateway to Quebec City for French and international tourists. In 2025, direct routes with Paris generated $33 million in tourism spending in the region, and these new routes will further increase these economic benefits.”
Positive Reactions Across the Network
“France being Quebec’s second-largest market in terms of both visitor numbers and tourism spending, these new routes are excellent news for our tourism industry. More French travellers will have the opportunity to visit our destination, contributing to increased socio-economic benefits here at home. I am proud that our new air service development program, administered by the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, helped make these flights possible.”
- Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism
“The launch of these new non-stop routes between Quebec City, Marseille, and Nantes is excellent news for our region and a significant milestone for Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Seeing Air Transat choose Quebec City to strengthen its presence in France highlights the dynamism and growing reach of our capital. These inaugural flights open new opportunities for our citizens, our economy, and our international attractiveness.”
- Jean‑François Simard, Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Capitale‑Nationale Region
“In addition to enabling Quebecers to visit a destination they particularly enjoy, these new routes have the potential to attract French tourists here, boosting our tourism sector, including business tourism. They demonstrate that Quebec City is a destination of choice thanks to its distinctive offering. With partners like Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport and Air Transat, our government continues its efforts to ensure our destination stands out and that tourism benefits our communities.”
- Vincent Caron, Member of the National Assembly for Portneuf and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism
“Every new international destination from Quebec City is good news. These routes benefit local travellers as well as French tourists, whose interest in Quebec remains strong. It’s a win-win for the economies of our cities and for the appeal of our respective destinations.”
- Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Quebec City
“With these new non-stop routes to Marseille and Nantes, the full diversity of French regions is now accessible to travellers from Quebec City. From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, France welcomes Quebecers as its closest friends. This enhanced air connectivity reflects the strengthening of a historic bond that continues to evolve through the richness of our regions and our art of living.”
- Eric Lamouroux, Consul General of France in Quebec City
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World's Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com
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Photo caption: From left to right : Sébastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Offier at Transat, Vincent Caron, Member of Portneuf and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Howard Liebman, Vice-President of Government Relations at Transat, Camille Pauly, Deputy Consul General of France in Québec City, Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO at YQB, Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Quebec City, Frédéric Dubé, Executive Vice-President at l’Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec et Jean-François Simard, Minister of Employment and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region.
Corporate image bank: transat.com/en-CA/corporate/media
Source: Transat A.T. Inc.
For further information: Marie-Christine Pouliot
Manager, Public Relations & Content Marketing