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 Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport to two major French cities: Marseille and Nantes. These exclusive additions enhance its transatlantic offering from Québec City and reflect Air Transat’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the French market.
The Québec City (YQB) – Marseille (MRS) route was inaugurated yesterday and will operate once weekly, on Thursdays, until October 9, 2026. Meanwhile, service between Québec 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 Québec 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 Québec 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 Québec 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 Québec City reflects the airline’s renewed confidence in our market and reinforces YQB’s role as a preferred gateway to Québec 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 Québec’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 Québec City, Marseille, and Nantes is excellent news for our region and a significant milestone for Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Seeing Air Transat choose Québec 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 Québec City is a destination of choice thanks to its distinctive offering. With partners like Québec 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 Québec 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 Québec City
“With these new non-stop routes to Marseille and Nantes, the full diversity of French regions is now accessible to travellers from Québec 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 Québec City
For the full press release: Click here