Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is set to offer an unprecedented number of flights in 2026, with a 15% increase in capacity compared to 2025. This expansion translates to 376,456 additional seats, reaching a total of 2,965,889 seats available for travellers. The summer season will see a record 25% increase, marking the highest growth among major Canadian airports.
The airport's expansion includes new international destinations such as Nantes, Marseille, and Washington, alongside increased flights to key hubs like Vancouver, Paris, and Calgary. Year-round flights to Fort-de-France, Martinique, and the return of Porter flights to Toronto Pearson, as well as a new American Airlines route to New York JFK, further enhance YQB's offerings.
This growth is significant for the region, as it aims to attract more tourists and investment. Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, highlighted the economic benefits, stating, "Each new flight generates direct economic activity for our businesses, our workers, and our tourism industry."
The airport's ambition is to reach 2.4 million passengers by 2030. Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB, emphasised the importance of community support: "Now it's up to all of us to prove that the airlines were right to believe in our market by showing up to ensure these routes continue."
With a 27% increase in seats since 2019, including a 44% rise in cross-border flights to the US and a 111% surge in international flights, YQB is poised to become a key player in regional economic development. The airport's enhanced connectivity is expected to boost Québec City's competitiveness and attractiveness on a global scale
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
