Air Transat Launches First Toronto-Medellin Flight via Cartagena

Air Transat, named 2025 World's Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax for the seventh time, proudly launched its inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín, Colombia, via Cartagena (CTG), on November 1.

Flight TS158 departed Toronto on Saturday afternoon, marking an important milestone in the development of Air Transat’s South American network.  This exclusive route, operating twice weekly year-round, provides Canadians with direct access to two of Colombia’s most captivating cities: the vibrant coastal gem of Cartagena and the mountainous metropolis of Medellín.

“With this inaugural flight to Medellín, Air Transat is opening a new chapter in its expansion in Latin America”, said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This unprecedented route perfectly illustrates our ambition to broaden the horizons of Canadian travellers and once again demonstrates Air Transat's innovation and pioneering role in leisure travel.”

This new service increases Air Transat’s winter flight frequency to Cartagena and marks the launch of year-round operations on the Toronto-Cartagena-Medellín route. Starting summer 2026, a similar route will be introduced from Montreal (YUL), making the existing Montreal-Cartagena flight available year-round and extending it to Medellín.

“We’re excited to see Air Transat launch this new service connecting Toronto to Medellín via Cartagena. With more than 40,000 passengers travelling between Toronto and Medellín in 2024, this route opens one of the largest untapped travel markets in South America from Toronto Pearson,” mentioned Kurush Minocher, Interim Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson. “It gives travellers more choice, strengthens connections between Canada and Colombia, and highlights Pearson’s role as a gateway to growing international destinations.”

“At ProColombia, we celebrate the strengthening of air connectivity between our nations as a reflection of the growing confidence international travellers have in Colombia. This new Air Transat route to Medellín not only brings Canadians closer to one of Colombia’s most inspiring cities, but also tells the story of how tourism can be a true force for transformation. Medellín has reinvented itself as a model of innovation, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, creativity, and community-led initiatives. This milestone marks a historic moment for our tourism industry and reinforces how travel continues to drive Colombia’s evolution,” added Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia.

The route is operated with the Airbus A321LR, which is renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort. With ergonomic cabins and a modern inflight entertainment system, the aircraft ensures a pleasant travel experience from takeoff to landing. It features two cabins – Economy and Club Class – both offering Air Transat’s distinctive and renowned quality of service.