Published on
November 2, 2025
Illinois Joins Washington, New York, Massachusetts and More in Skyrocketing US Travel as Air Canada Expands with New Routes to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for both business and leisure travelers, as Air Canada increases its service to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) from major US cities like Illinois, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts. The introduction of these new routes comes with the added benefit of a US Customs pre-clearance facility at YTZ, streamlining the travel process and offering more direct and convenient connections to the heart of Canada’s financial capital. With more frequent flights and faster border-crossing procedures, this expansion is set to transform the way people travel between these key US markets and Toronto, further boosting the already-growing US-Canada travel landscape.
In a move set to transform cross-border travel, Air Canada is significantly expanding its operations between key US cities and Toronto Island Airport (YTZ). This marks the airline’s largest growth at the popular Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in over three decades. As the airline introduces new routes from cities like New York, Washington, DC, and Boston to the heart of Canada’s financial capital, passengers can expect more frequent, direct connections that will serve both business and leisure travelers alike. The expanded network is a testament to Air Canada’s commitment to bolstering transborder connectivity as the airline continues to grow its presence in the US market.
A Landmark Expansion for Air Canada
On Thursday, October 23, Air Canada announced its plans to launch new service from Boston Logan International Airport, New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This expansion will bring a welcome boost to US-Canada air travel, with the airline’s new offerings set to meet growing demand for seamless, direct access between key US cities and Toronto’s downtown core.
The most striking feature of this expansion is the introduction of a US Customs pre-clearance facility at Billy Bishop Airport. This addition will allow passengers to clear customs before departing from Toronto, a significant convenience for those traveling to the United States. As the pre-clearance facility begins operations, travelers from New York, Boston, and Washington, DC will enjoy a streamlined, faster border-crossing process, providing a more efficient travel experience for business executives, families, and tourists alike.
Routes to Connect Key US Cities
Air Canada’s expanded network will offer daily service from several major US cities to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Starting Sunday, March 29, 2025, Air Canada will launch up to four daily round trips between LaGuardia and YTZ. This route will cater to the massive demand from business travelers and tourists alike who require easy access to the heart of Toronto, reducing the time and hassle of traveling through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the larger, busier airport serving the city.
For Washington DC, Air Canada will begin twice-daily service starting Monday, June 1, 2025, to connect Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with Billy Bishop Airport. Washington, with its vibrant government and business hubs, is one of Toronto’s most important US connections. The new flight will make it more convenient for both business professionals and leisure travelers to hop between the US capital and Toronto’s downtown.
Additionally, starting Wednesday, July 1, 2025, Air Canada will also begin offering three daily round trips from Boston Logan International Airport to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This new route further strengthens Air Canada’s commitment to fostering stronger ties between the financial and business sectors in both countries. The Boston-Toronto route is expected to be especially popular with business travelers, thanks to the city’s thriving tech and academic sectors.
Air Canada has a history of offering strong connections from these cities, with existing services to Toronto Pearson. The new routes to YTZ will offer added flexibility for passengers seeking quick access to downtown Toronto, as Billy Bishop is located just a short distance from the city’s central business district.
Why This Expansion Matters for US-Canada Travel
The introduction of these new routes marks a significant step for Air Canada as it continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive North American air travel market. As airlines adjust to changes in travel demand, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, Air Canada is focusing on growing its footprint in high-demand business travel routes to better serve its loyal customers.
For residents of cities like Illinois, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts, this expansion means improved options for direct flights to and from Toronto’s downtown, one of the most vibrant and economically important cities in North America. Travelers can expect more frequent connections between major US markets and Toronto, reducing travel times and offering greater flexibility for last-minute trips.
This expansion is not just about convenience, however. It is also a clear move by Air Canada to enhance its position in the broader US market, where competition between major airlines is intensifying. As a result, customers in cities like Illinois, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts will have access to a wider range of flight options, making travel to Canada more accessible and attractive for both business and leisure trips.
Strengthening Air Canada’s Presence in the US Market
The new service aligns with Air Canada’s broader growth strategy, which is focused on bolstering its presence in the United States. The airline’s increased presence in US markets is vital as more travelers look to Canada for business, educational, and tourism purposes. Air Canada is focusing on strategic routes that link major US cities with Toronto, Montreal, and other key Canadian destinations.
For the airline, this expansion not only helps meet rising demand for transborder travel but also bolsters its overall network, enabling travelers to seamlessly connect to other major cities and international destinations. With more than 600 daily flights to 124 destinations planned for the summer of 2026, Air Canada is poised to cement its role as a dominant player in North America’s air travel industry.
The focus on cities such as Illinois, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts is significant, as these are some of the largest travel markets in the US. Illinois, for example, is home to Chicago, one of the busiest airports in the country. Offering direct flights from Chicago to Toronto Island further enhances Air Canada’s connectivity in the region, making it easier for travelers to access both cities quickly and efficiently. This will benefit businesses in industries ranging from finance to technology, as well as tourism in both Toronto and the United States.
Benefits for Business and Leisure Travelers
For business travelers, the new direct flights from Illinois, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts to Toronto are a game-changer. The expansion offers more convenient access to one of the world’s most important financial districts. Toronto’s downtown is home to major multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies, making it a vital hub for business travel. Air Canada’s new service from key US cities allows for easy access to these corporate powerhouses, facilitating more fluid business transactions and quicker meetings between executives.
The new flights also bring benefits for leisure travelers. Toronto’s diverse cultural scene, top-notch restaurants, and international festivals make it a popular destination for tourists. The added convenience of direct flights from these major US cities means that it will be easier for tourists to explore the city without the need for lengthy layovers or connections. Moreover, the proximity of Billy Bishop Airport to the heart of Toronto makes it an especially attractive option for travelers who want to spend more time exploring the city and less time navigating through airports.
What’s Next for Air Canada?
Looking ahead, Air Canada is committed to expanding its service offerings and providing passengers with a seamless travel experience. This will include ongoing investment in technology, such as the US Customs pre-clearance facility at YTZ, and further network expansions across both the US and Canada. With the airline’s focus on improving connectivity, passengers can expect more convenient and direct flight options to major business hubs like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Additionally, Air Canada is likely to continue strengthening its partnerships with other airlines, providing even more flight choices for travelers between US and Canadian destinations. As the airline prepares for a busy summer travel season in 2026, we can expect more exciting announcements about its expanding network, ensuring that Air Canada remains a key player in the international travel market.
Air Canada’s expansion from Illinois, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and other US cities to Toronto Island Airport is a major development for both business and leisure travelers. The new routes, which will operate to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, bring added convenience, improved flight frequency, and a streamlined travel experience thanks to the new US Customs pre-clearance facility.
Illinois Joins Washington, New York, Massachusetts and More in Skyrocketing US Travel as Air Canada Expands with New Routes to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This expansion enhances connectivity between key US cities and Toronto, offering more direct flights and the added convenience of a US Customs pre-clearance facility, making cross-border travel smoother and more efficient for both business and leisure travelers.
As the airline continues to grow its network and strengthen its presence in the US, travelers in key US markets will benefit from more convenient and frequent access to Toronto. This expansion is a major milestone for Air Canada and an exciting development for US-Canada air travel. Whether for business, education, or leisure, the new routes provide valuable opportunities for travelers to explore one of North America’s most vibrant and dynamic cities. With Air Canada leading the way in US-Canada connectivity, the future of travel between these two countries has never looked brighter.
