Tenerife Launches First Direct Flights Between Canary Islands and Canada

Air Canada is launching new non-stop flight services between Canada and the Spanish island of Tenerife starting in October 2026. The routes, which will connect Tenerife with Toronto and Montreal, will establish the only direct flight link between the Canary Islands and North America.

The airline will operate a three-weekly service to Tenerife South Airport. These flights are scheduled to run seasonally from October through April to facilitate winter travel between the two regions.

Flight Schedules and Operations

Flights departing from Toronto are scheduled to begin on October 25, 2026. According to the airline, services from Toronto will depart on Thursdays and Sundays, with returning flights scheduled for Mondays, and Fridays.

The Montreal route will commence on October 31, 2026. Flights from Montreal will operate on Saturdays, with returning flights departing on Sundays.

Air Canada will utilize the Airbus A321XLR aircraft for these routes. The airline has stated that the use of this aircraft is intended to provide an improved onboard experience for passengers traveling between North America and the Canary Islands.

Tourism Impact and Market Growth

The introduction of these routes follows a period of growth in North American tourism to the island. In 2025, more than 38,000 travelers from Canada and the United States arrived in Tenerife. Reporting indicates that arrivals from the United States have nearly doubled since 2019.

Local tourism officials view the new connection as a method to attract high-value travelers and consolidate the island’s position as a global destination. Dimple Melwani, the CEO of Tenerife Tourism, described the arrival of the direct flights as a strategic move.

The arrival of Air Canada with direct flights from Toronto and Montreal is a strategic boost for Tenerife, consolidating our destination as a global leader and bringing us closer to a high-value traveler for the island. This connection with Air Canada affords us the opportunity to give Tenerife a boost in these markets with growing demand

Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tenerife Tourism

The Tenerife regional government has stated that the agreement with Air Canada is part of a broader strategy to increase air connectivity with key international markets. Tourism officials believe the routes will help establish Tenerife as a major Atlantic hub for travelers coming from North America.

Beyond tourism, local officials suggest the flights will provide a boost for business travelers and residents on both sides of the Atlantic by simplifying the travel process to the Canary Islands.