TORONTO— Air Canada (AC) announced a major expansion from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), introducing new routes to four key U.S. destinations and boosting domestic service to Montréal (YUL) and Ottawa (YOW).
Starting Spring 2026, the airline will connect Toronto Island to New York (LGA), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD). The move coincides with the launch of U.S. Customs Pre-Clearance at YTZ, streamlining travel for passengers flying to the United States.
Air Canada US Flights from Toronto City Airport
This marks Air Canada’s most significant expansion at Billy Bishop in 35 years. The new transborder routes will operate with high-frequency schedules tailored to business and leisure travelers.
Four daily flights to New York LaGuardia (LGA), three to Boston Logan (BOS), two to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and one to Washington Dulles (IAD) will begin between March and July 2026.
In addition to U.S. flights, Air Canada will expand domestic frequencies in Canada’s busiest travel corridor. From January 2026, Toronto Island–Montréal service will rise from eight to nine return flights daily, while Toronto Island–Ottawa will grow from four to six.
These enhancements improve travel options within the Eastern Triangle, a key route for business and government passengers.
Customer Experience
The expansion builds on Air Canada’s focus on customer experience at Billy Bishop. As of October 2025, the airline became the first to offer fast, free onboard Wi-Fi on De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft — a global first for this aircraft type.
Travelers can also access complimentary premium snacks, beer, and wine, and the Aspire Air Canada Café, an exclusive lounge for eligible domestic customers.
By integrating these features, Air Canada aims to make short-haul flying from the island airport more efficient and comfortable.
According to the airline, these upgrades complement the carrier’s broader Toronto network at Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which will serve over 124 destinations by Summer 2026.
U.S. Customs Pre-Clearance: A Key Milestone
The introduction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance at Billy Bishop will be a central convenience feature.
Passengers traveling to the United States will complete customs formalities before departure, allowing faster entry upon arrival. This facility, operational from 2026, positions the airport as a more efficient option for transborder business travel from downtown Toronto.
Air Canada Express flights from Toronto Island are operated by Jazz Aviation LP using 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft.
The airline is also redesigning cabins across 25 of these regional aircraft, featuring ergonomic reclining seats from Expliseat, device holders, and updated interiors inspired by Canadian landscapes. Completion of the refit is expected by mid-2026, aligning with the airline’s brand-wide cabin refresh.
Optimism for Toronto’s Urban Air Gateway
PortsToronto and Nieuport Aviation, the airport’s operator and terminal manager, welcomed the expansion as a milestone for urban connectivity.
The move underscores Toronto Island Airport’s role as a hub for passenger-focused regional and international travel.
Federal and provincial leaders also praised the development, highlighting its economic, tourism, and business benefits for both Ontario and Canada.
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