New weekly flights connect Valencia with Canada and Norway, expanding the city’s international reach just in time for summer. Valencia Airport has officially inaugurated direct air routes to Montreal and Oslo, marking a significant step forward in regional connectivity and global tourism potential.
Operated by Air Transat and Norwegian, the two new weekly services link the Mediterranean city to two culturally rich destinations. These routes are expected to boost not only tourism but also business, academic exchanges, and international events in both directions.
First Direct Flight from Canada to Valencia
This Saturday, Valencia Airport welcomed the first-ever direct flight from Canada with the arrival of an Air Transat aircraft from Montreal. The Airbus A321neo, with a 199-passenger capacity, touched down at 7:30 a.m., establishing a historic transatlantic bridge between the Valencian Community and North America.
The service is scheduled weekly on Saturdays through October 4, with Air Transat planning to continue the route into the winter season. The airline offers further connectivity from Montreal to cities across Canada, the U.S., Central America, and South America, making it easier for travelers from Valencia to explore the wider Americas.
This new route was presented last week in Montreal by Marián Cano, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. She described the milestone as a breakthrough in international connectivity for Valencia, especially as it’s the first transoceanic route added since 2012. Aena, the Spanish airport authority, called the event a “historic milestone.”
Celebration at Valencia Airport
The arrival of the Montreal flight was met with enthusiasm. Marián Cano, Paula Llobet (Councilor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment), Tono Franco (Director of the Visit Valencia Foundation), David Alcaraz (Air Transat’s Commercial Director in Spain), and Antonio García Aparicio (Valencia Airport Director) greeted the crew personally.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, passengers were given souvenir gifts courtesy of the Visit Valencia Foundation. Among the passengers were tourism agents from Canada, who are set to explore the Valencian region, and youth players from the Valencia CF Academy Canada, underscoring the broad impact of the new link beyond just tourism.
New Weekly Route to Oslo Takes Off
In parallel, Valencia Airport has also kicked off weekly summer flights to Oslo-Gardermoen, Norway’s primary international airport. Operated by Norwegian, this new service brings Scandinavian travelers closer to Spain’s eastern coast while giving Valencians direct access to the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Norway.
This is particularly notable given the strong summer demand for routes between northern and southern Europe. Weekly flights will operate throughout the summer season, offering greater options for leisure and business travelers alike.
The twin launch of direct flights to Montreal and Oslo reflects Valencia Airport’s broader expansion goals and growing importance as a hub in southern Europe. With air traffic levels breaking post-pandemic records and international interest in the region on the rise, the timing couldn’t be better.
Beyond tourism, these routes are expected to open doors for academic collaboration, business development, and cultural exchange. The enhanced accessibility may also strengthen Valencia’s case as a host for global conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events.
As more connections are established, Valencia’s role as a Mediterranean gateway continues to gain momentum. These new routes offer not just convenience, but a gateway to new experiences, relationships, and opportunities for both travelers and the city itself.
