Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is set to expand its flight offerings by 15% in 2026, marking a significant increase in air travel capacity. This growth is expected to reach 25% when comparing the summer season of 2026 to the previous year.
Growth in Flight Capacity
In numerical terms, YQB will increase its seat availability by 376,456, reaching a total of 2,965,889 seats for the year. Notably, there is a 44% rise in flight seats available for U.S. destinations, while international flights boast an impressive 111% growth.
- Increase in total seats: 2,965,889 for 2026
- Seats for U.S. flights: up by 44%
- Seats for international flights: up by 111%
New Destinations and Connections
For the summer of 2026, YQB plans to add five new destinations, including:
- Nantes, France
- Marseille, France
- Washington, D.C.
Additionally, American Airlines will connect YQB to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Porter Airlines will resume flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and will also connect to the new metropolitan airport in Saint-Hubert, near Montreal.
Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels
YQB has reported a recovery to pre-pandemic passenger traffic levels, a milestone not experienced by many airports across Canada. Stéphane Poirier, the President and CEO of YQB, attributes this success to strategic initiatives maintained during the pandemic.
Community Support and Engagement
As YQB enhances its offerings, Poirier is calling for strong community support to demonstrate to airline carriers that investing in YQB is beneficial. He pointed out that over half of travelers in the Quebec region still choose to depart from other airports.
The Mayor of Quebec City, Bruno Marchand, emphasized the accessibility and affordability of flights from YQB. He compared it favorably against larger airports in Montreal and Toronto, underlining the ease of the travel experience at YQB.
Future Prospects
Poirier announced that detailed passenger statistics will be shared at an annual public meeting on May 7. Community leaders recognize YQB as a crucial gateway that contributes to the region’s connectivity and economic development.
The airport’s leadership is confident that with ongoing community engagement, the upcoming years will see even more growth in flight offerings, making YQB a competitive choice for travelers.
