Canadian leisure airline Air Transat has confirmed a landmark non-stop air service connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC), starting in the Summer of 2026.
This monumental route establishment is set to revolutionise travel between Canada and West Africa, particularly for Ghana’s vast diaspora and thousands of football fans attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The service, announced on Thursday, November 20, positions Air Transat as the first and only airline to offer a direct connection between the two countries, effectively eliminating the long, costly, and cumbersome necessity of connecting through European hubs like London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt.
Twice-Weekly Service for the 2026 Summer Season
The new route will operate twice weekly—every Wednesday and Sunday—during the peak summer travel season, running from June 17 to October 22, 2026.
This launch timing is deemed strategically perfect, aligning directly with the global spotlight that will be shone on North America as Canada, the United States, and Mexico co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 starting in June 2026.
For Ghanaian football fans, often regarded as one of the most passionate fan bases in Africa, the flight offers a seamless “World Cup Express” to the heart of the co-host nation.
Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat, underscored the significance of the inaugural route:
“We are honoured to be the first and only airline to offer a direct connection between Canada and Ghana.”
Bridging the Diaspora and National Aspirations
This development is widely being hailed as a profound link for the estimated 100,000 Ghanaians residing in Canada, with a significant concentration in the Greater Toronto Area (Ontario).
The non-stop service is expected to foster stronger educational, business, and cultural links, making regular ‘diaspora homecoming’ visits a simpler reality.
Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, highlighted the deep, tangible impact of the new air bridge:
“Air Transat flights from Toronto, Canada to Accra, Ghana are not mere flights in the skies, but a connection between aspirations and reality.”
For the Black Stars—Ghana’s national football team—and their supporting delegation, the direct route provides a critical logistical advantage for reaching the tournament locations within North America.
Africa Expands on Air Transat’s Global Map
Accra’s inclusion on the Air Transat network is a strong indicator of Ghana’s growing global tourism and economic prominence. The carrier, primarily known for its transatlantic and Caribbean leisure destinations, is significantly expanding its African footprint.
Accra now joins other major African tourism hubs in the airline’s portfolio:
- Dakar, Senegal
- Agadir, Morocco
- Marrakech, Morocco
Accra stands as the fourth destination in Africa for the Canadian airline, signalling its confidence in the West African market’s stability and tourism potential.
The 2026 Summer is projected to mark an unprecedented peak in direct travel and tourism between the two countries, solidifying a new era of Ghanaian-Canadian connectivity.
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