Air Transat makes Montreal–Dakar year-round and adds Windsor–Cancún
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Air Transat is turning its Montreal–Dakar route into year-round service and launching a new non-stop route between Windsor and Cancún for winter 2026–2027. The airline is also bringing back, with an extended season, its Fredericton–Cancún route introduced last winter.
These changes affect three distinct markets: Quebec to Senegal, southwestern Ontario to Mexico, and New Brunswick to the Riviera Maya. Here are the details for each route.
Montreal–Dakar becomes a year-round route
Launched in June 2026, the non-stop Montreal–Dakar route will continue this winter with one flight per week, on Fridays, from October 30, 2026 to March 26, 2027. This is in addition to the two weekly flights already offered during the summer season. Air Transat operates this route with an Airbus A330, the highest-capacity aircraft in its fleet, and presents it as the only non-stop route between Canada and sub-Saharan Africa.
If you are earning points with the new Air Transat loyalty program launched with Desjardins and Visa, this move to year-round service gives you a wider window to plan a stay in Senegal.
A new Windsor–Cancún route
Starting December 19, 2026, Air Transat is launching a new weekly non-stop flight between Windsor (YQG) and Cancún (CUN), operating every Saturday until April 25, 2027. This route complements the existing Windsor–Punta Cana service and avoids a detour via Toronto for customers in southwestern Ontario.
Fredericton–Cancún renewed with an extended season
The Fredericton (YFC)–Cancún (CUN) route, introduced last winter, returns for winter 2026–2027 with an extended season: from December 16, 2026 to April 29, 2027, with one flight per week, on Wednesdays. That is two weeks longer than its first season.
| Route | Frequency | Day | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal (YUL) – Dakar (DSS) | 1 flight/week | Friday | Oct. 30, 2026 to Mar. 26, 2027 |
| Windsor (YQG) – Cancún (CUN) | 1 flight/week | Saturday | Dec. 19, 2026 to Apr. 25, 2027 |
| Fredericton (YFC) – Cancún (CUN) | 1 flight/week | Wednesday | Dec. 16, 2026 to Apr. 29, 2027 |
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Our recommendations
- Travelling to Dakar this winter: book early, as frequency drops from two to one weekly flight between summer and winter.
- Based in Windsor, heading to Mexico: compare the new direct Saturday flight to Cancún with the existing service to Punta Cana based on your all-inclusive package.
- In the Maritimes: the Wednesday Fredericton–Cancún flight remains the region’s only non-stop option for this destination.
- No matter the route: check our guide to saving on your Air Transat flights before booking.
Conclusion
Air Transat confirmed these three changes in an official release issued on July 31, 2026. Bookings are already open for all three routes.
To compare credit cards that can help fund this kind of trip, see our page on the best travel credit cards. And to make sure you do not miss any upcoming Air Transat announcements, sign up for our newsletter.
This announcement follows on from the new routes unveiled by Air Transat for summer 2026 to Marseille and London, confirming the airline’s network expansion both toward Europe and toward the South.
For summer 2027, Air Transat has also announced new Quebec City–Lyon and Quebec City–Barcelona flights, including the very first non-stop route between Quebec City and Spain.
Air Transat Montreal–Dakar – Frequently Asked Questions
Since when has Air Transat served Montreal–Dakar?
Since June 2026, initially as a seasonal route. It becomes year-round service starting in winter 2026–2027.
How many flights per week between Montreal and Dakar this winter?
One flight per week, on Fridays, from October 30, 2026 to March 26, 2027, compared to two weekly flights in summer.
When does the new Windsor–Cancún flight start?
On December 19, 2026, with one flight per week on Saturdays, until April 25, 2027.
Is the Fredericton–Cancún route new?
No, it was introduced last winter. It returns for winter 2026–2027 with an extended season through April 29, 2027, one flight per week on Wednesdays.
Which aircraft does Air Transat use on Montreal–Dakar?
An Airbus A330, the highest-capacity aircraft in Air Transat’s fleet.
Does Air Transat serve other destinations from Windsor?
Yes, Windsor is already connected to Punta Cana. Cancún is added as a second sun destination starting December 19, 2026.
