Royal visit signals major expansion in Spain–Canada air travel

In a gathering befitting the strengthening ties between nations, distinguished leaders from the aviation and tourism sectors were granted a royal audience with His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain on May 20 at the esteemed Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

The occasion served as a testament to the flourishing relationship between Spain and Canada, particularly in the realm of travel and air connectivity.

According to Isabel Martín Benítez, Consul for Tourism Affairs in Canada (Spain's Tourism Office), the growth in air travel between the two countries has reached remarkable heights.

Passenger traffic between Canada and Spain has increased substantially in recent years, with annual seat capacity rising from approximately 202,000 to an impressive 537,000.

The outlook for 2026 promises even greater opportunities with direct flights to seven Spanish cities.

For the first time, direct routes to the Spanish islands are expected to grace the travel landscape. Summer travellers from Montreal will be able to journey directly to Mallorca, while new services from both Montreal and Toronto to Gran Canaria and Tenerife are poised to open further gateways to Spain’s celebrated destinations.

Adding to this expansion, Iberia is preparing to launch direct flights between Toronto and Madrid next June.

Last week’s gathering brought together a notable delegation of airline leaders and industry executives.

Representing Iberia was Juan Cierco, corporate director; Air Transat was represented by Annick Guérard, president and CEO, along with Sebastian Ponce, chief revenue officer; Air Canada’s delegation included Daniela Mauro, director of international affairs and facilitation, Joseph Malla, principal of international affairs, and Aaron Balinsky, director of market development and sales strategy.

Representing WestJet were Steve McClelland, vice president of loyalty, commercial and business development, and Sam Taylor, group executive vice-president and chief experience officer.

Also attending were high-ranking government and industry officials, including Spain’s First Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo; the President of Airbus in Spain, Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura; as well as the Canadian Ambassador to Spain and the Spanish Ambassador to Canada.

“This is a great opportunity for Spain. Our country has never been closer to Canada than it is today,” said Martín Benítez in a statement to PAX.  

“The meeting between His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain and all the airlines operating between our two countries is a strong indication of how important connectivity has become in strengthening tourism and bilateral relations. Spain is a perfect year-round destination for Canadians.”

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