About 60 industry VIPs were on hand at Harbour 60 in Toronto last night to celebrate Air Canada’s new thrice weekly, seasonal service to San Antonio and to learn more about the popular Texas destination.
Guests were welcomed at the event by representatives from Visit San Antonio, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and greater:SATX and from Air Canada.
Air Canada’s Viktor Spysak was on hand to tell the crowd about the airline’s new San Antonio seasonal service that will operate three times a week between May 1 and Oct. 23, 2026, using Airbus A-220 equipment that will feature 12 business class seats and 125 economy class seats.
Along with celebrating the launch of the new service, Spysak told his audience that there is lots going on at the airline, with its fleet expansion, it’s introduction of its new cabin interiors, new lounges and a whole lot more.
Air Canada’s introduction of new flights to San Antonio also comes at a time when the San Antonio International Airport is going through a major transformation, including the addition of a new terminal that’s slated to open in 2028.
In conversation with Travel Press Today (TPT) before the evening event, Visit San Antonio’s Dee Dee Poteete made it clear that there was a lot of excitement over Air Canada’s new service – operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Toronto and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from the city – as it increases the destinations accessibility and offers Canadians an opportunity to experience all that San Antonio has to offer.
Poteete pointed to a number of things that recommend San Antonio to visitors, including its affordability, making it particularly popular as a destination for families; and the city’s walkability that makes it easy to explore.
The city is home to both The Alamo and the River Walk – the top two attractions in Texas – which have a definite appeal to visitors.
She also pointed to San Antonio’s 300 days of sunshine a year as a draw for visitors, observing that: “Our weather is great, the only ice here is on the Margaritas.”
As for the numbers, Poteete told TPT that figures for 2024 for all international visitors were up 15.5% compared to 2023 and the forecast for 2025 is that that will grow by a further 6%.
Turning to the Canadian market, Canada was up just under 2% in 2024 compared to 2023, however, in 2025, there was a decrease of 14%.
The good news – and there is good news – is that the forecast for 2026 is for a 12% increase out of Canada.
In this respect, Popeete told TPT that San Antonio is a “welcoming” destination that “loves its Canadian visitors” and the welcome mat is always out, so Canadians can come when their ready – and Air Canada’s new flights will make it just that easier to visit.
Popeete also pointed out that Canada is San Antonio’s second largest international market behind Mexico, observing that Texas is known as the friendly state, she made it clear that: “San Antonio is warm, welcoming, hospitable and authentic.”
