OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Expanding Canada's air transport agreements promotes trade diversification, facilitates people-to-people ties, strengthens supply chains, boosts tourism and helps fuel our country's economic growth.  

Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced an expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia.

The expanded agreement includes:

• Up to seven weekly passenger-combination flights for each country (up from four)
• Access to all points in each country (up from one point each)
• Unlimited weekly all-cargo flights (previously no dedicated all-cargo rights)

Quotes

"This expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia is a significant step in strengthening the ties between our two countries. By opening new opportunities for airlines, businesses, and travellers with this growing market, we are deepening our economic partnership and creating the conditions for greater mobility, trade, and cultural exchange."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Canada is strengthening its connection with one of our North African partners. The expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia will support commercial and investment ties between our countries, helping Canadian businesses access new opportunities, diversify our trade partnerships, and contribute to economic growth and shared prosperity."

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu
Minister of International Trade 

Quick facts

• The Canada-Tunisia Air Transport Agreement was originally concluded in 2010 and first expanded in 2019.
• Tunisia is a growing market for Canada in North Africa, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $439 million in 2025 and Canadian direct investment totaling $183 million.
• Demand for connectivity between Canada and Tunisia continues to grow, supported by expanding trade and investment ties, business, tourism, education and family travel, as well as strong people-to-people connections, including a Canadian-Tunisian diaspora of more than 30,000 people (2021 Census) and nearly 3,000 Tunisian students studying in Canada in 2025.
• Since the Agreement was last expanded in 2019, passenger traffic between Canada and Tunisia is up more than 55 per cent.
• The Government of Canada negotiates new and expanded air transport agreements to improve Canada's international connectivity and provide more options for travellers and shippers.
• Canada has air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries.

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa