Louisville Is Getting Its First Nonstop Flight to Toronto
Air Canada begins seasonal service on April 28, 2027 just in time for Derby Season.
Louisville travelers are about to gain a direct link to one of Canada's biggest business centers. According to The Lane Report, Air Canada will launch seasonal nonstop flights between Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on April 28, 2027.
The route brings a new airline to SDF. It is also the airport's first scheduled international jet service to a major global business market on a carrier with an extensive international network.
The Schedule
The service runs seasonally through the end of October. Flights operate four times a week at first, then daily from June through September, which covers the peak summer travel season.
The Aircraft
Air Canada will fly a 76-seat CRJ-900 with business-class and economy seating, Wi-Fi and in-seat power. Tickets are on sale at AirCanada.com and in the Air Canada app.
One Stop to the World
Toronto is a major Air Canada hub with connections to more than 150 destinations. From Louisville, that means one-stop access to 19 Canadian cities and better connections to dozens of destinations in Europe and Asia.
Customs Is Handled in Toronto
The route does not depend on the international facilities planned under SDF Next, the airport's capital improvement program. That project includes a four-gate concourse expansion with a Federal Inspection Services facility, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.
Instead, passengers will use U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance in Toronto, completing customs and immigration checks before they leave. Flights then land at SDF as domestic arrivals, so travelers can head straight to baggage claim or their next flight.
Why It Matters for Louisville
Local leaders see the route as a boost for business and tourism:
Business: Louisville-area companies gain easier access to Canadian markets and Air Canada's global network.
Tourism: Toronto visitors get a direct path to attractions such as the Kentucky Derby, Bourbon Country, and the city's food, arts and music scenes. Louisville Tourism says it can now market the city to international travelers as a nonstop trip.
Long-term effort: Airport officials say the relationship with Air Canada began with a meeting eight years ago.
Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism, said the route will allow the city to market itself directly to international travelers with the convenience of nonstop access.
“Bringing a new airline into the market is an extraordinary accomplishment and today’s announcement gives us something we have never had before — the ability to market Louisville in an international market and say, ‘You can get here nonstop,’” Battle said.
Book Your Trip
For schedules and tickets, visit AirCanada.com or the Louisville airport's site at flylouisville.com. With the first flight set for April 28, 2027, just ahead of Derby weekend, expect early interest in the new route.
Source: The Lane Report, October 19, 2026.
Getting To and From SDF
Once flights begin, you will need a ride to/from the airport. Pegasus, a Louisville transportation company, offers airport service 24/7 to and from the Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati and Evansville airports. Pegasus monitors your flight number at no extra charge, adjusts if you land early or late, and gives you your chauffeur's cell number for ETA updates. Groups with several arrivals and departures can send a spreadsheet or email of times, and Pegasus will combine rides and bill each group separately if needed.
Book Your Trip
For schedules and tickets, visit AirCanada.com or the Louisville airport's site at flylouisville.com. With the first flight set for April 28, 2027, just ahead of Derby weekend, expect early interest in the new route.
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