Tenerife Set to Transform Air Travel Landscape with New Routes in 2026
Tenerife is gearing up for a significant transformation in its air travel landscape as seven airlines unveil plans to introduce new routes and enhance flight frequencies to the island in 2026. This initiative aims to connect Tenerife with various locations across Europe and North America, marking a pivotal moment for the island’s tourism sector.
Boosting Connectivity with New Airline Partnerships
The forthcoming expansion will see a surge in flights from prominent airlines such as Air Canada, Air France, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia Express, and Vueling. These developments are integral to Tenerife’s strategic efforts to attract a diverse range of international and domestic tourists, positioning the island as a key player in the global travel market.
Local officials are optimistic that the introduction of these new air connections will not only enhance tourism but also invigorate the local economy and create numerous job opportunities. Lope Afonso, the Vice President and Tourism Councillor of Tenerife, highlighted that the increase in flight options is a testament to the growing confidence in the island as a premier tourist destination, which has been steadily gaining popularity among travelers.
Exciting New Routes and Enhanced Flight Frequencies
One of the most noteworthy changes is the launch of direct flights by Air Canada from both Toronto and Montreal to Tenerife South Airport, scheduled to begin in October. The airline plans to operate two flights weekly from Toronto and one from Montreal, significantly improving the connectivity between the Canary Islands and Canada.
In addition, the Latvian airline airBaltic will establish a seasonal base at Tenerife South for the winter season of 2026–2027. This new base will facilitate the introduction of routes to several cities, including Ljubljana in Slovenia, Liège in Belgium, Palanga in Lithuania, and Groningen in the Netherlands, thereby broadening the island’s appeal to a wider audience.
Air Serbia is also set to enhance Tenerife’s connectivity by offering two weekly flights between Belgrade and Tenerife from October to February, further extending the island’s reach into Eastern European markets and catering to the growing demand for travel from this region.
Strengthening Existing Services for Increased Capacity
In addition to new routes, several airlines are poised to bolster their existing services. Air France is planning to increase its summer flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Tenerife South, responding to the rising demand for travel to the island from France. Meanwhile, TAP Air Portugal will operate four weekly flights from Lisbon, enhancing the connection between Portugal and Tenerife.
Within Spain, Binter Canarias is set to expand its connections from various cities, including Vigo, Valencia, and Asturias. The airline will continue to maintain winter routes to Valladolid, San Sebastián, Granada, Pamplona, and Murcia, while also introducing new services from Seville and Badajoz, thereby improving accessibility for domestic travelers.
Iberia Express is expected to ramp up its operations significantly, aiming for 74 weekly flights in each direction between Madrid and Tenerife during the summer of 2026. This increase translates to as many as 11 flights daily serving both Tenerife North and Tenerife South airports, ensuring that travelers have ample options for their journeys.
Furthermore, Vueling plans to increase its capacity by 7% during the summer season, which will include additional flights from Oviedo and Valencia, further enhancing the travel experience for passengers heading to Tenerife.
Key points
- Tenerife will see new routes and increased flight frequencies from seven airlines in 2026.
- Air Canada will launch direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Tenerife South Airport.
- airBaltic will open a seasonal base at Tenerife South for the winter season.
- Air Serbia will connect Belgrade with Tenerife with two weekly flights.
- Air France and TAP Air Portugal will increase their existing flight services.
- Binter Canarias will expand its connections from various Spanish cities.
- Iberia Express plans to operate 74 weekly flights between Madrid and Tenerife.
- Vueling will boost its capacity by 7% during the summer season.