Canada expands Tunisia air deal, boosting flights, cargo access

Canada has expanded its air transport agreement with Tunisia, opening the door to more passenger flights, broader access for airlines and dedicated cargo service between the two countries.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the expanded agreement Monday (Sept. 14), as the federal government looks to strengthen Canada's international connectivity and support growing trade and travel demand.

Under the new terms, airlines from each country will be permitted to operate up to seven weekly passenger-combination flights, an increase from the previous limit of four.

The agreement also gives airlines access to all points in both Canada and Tunisia, replacing the previous restriction of one point in each country.

Dedicated cargo rights have also been added, allowing unlimited weekly all-cargo flights. The previous agreement did not provide rights for dedicated cargo services.

"This expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia is a significant step in strengthening the ties between our two countries. By opening new opportunities for airlines, businesses, and travellers with this growing market, we are deepening our economic partnership and creating the conditions for greater mobility, trade, and cultural exchange," said MacKinnon, who is also Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

Traffic up more than 55%

Canada and Tunisia originally concluded their air transport agreement in 2010, before expanding it for the first time in 2019.

Since that expansion, passenger traffic between the two countries has increased by more than 55 per cent, according to the federal government.

Demand for connectivity is being driven by trade and investment, business, tourism, education and family travel, as well as established ties between the two countries.

Canada is home to a Tunisian diaspora of more than 30,000 people, according to the 2021 Census, while nearly 3,000 Tunisian students were studying in Canada in 2025.

Tunisia is also a growing Canadian market in North Africa. Bilateral merchandise trade reached $439 million in 2025, while Canadian direct investment in the country totalled $183 million.

The federal government says expanding Canada's air transport agreements can help diversify trade, strengthen supply chains, support tourism and provide travellers and shippers with more options.

Canada currently has air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries.

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