Living in San Antonio, the first thought that comes to mind when planning an international flight is often the layover rather than the excitement of going abroad.

When heading to Korea, I first consider what to take to Dallas or LA, and whether to catch an early morning flight.

And since there are no direct flights to foreign destinations, the word "International" in San Antonio International Airport feels a bit embarrassing.

Recently, I received some good news about San Antonio.

Starting in May 2026, Air Canada will launch a new direct route from San Antonio to Toronto.

The departure airport is San Antonio International Airport, and the arrival destination is Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The first flight is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026.

While it operates three times a week, which doesn't offer a wide range of options, having a fixed schedule is still significant.

Departures from San Antonio will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 AM, arriving in Toronto around 3:07 PM.

Since it's a daytime flight, it's less tiring, and I appreciate having some time to utilize upon arrival.

The return flights will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing Toronto at 6:20 PM and arriving in San Antonio at 9:00 PM.

This timing is not bad for wrapping up the day and traveling.

The flight time is approximately three and a half hours.

It's not much different from a domestic flight in the U.S.

The aircraft used will be the Airbus A220, which is quite comfortable for medium-haul routes, as those who have flown on it would know.

The seats are relatively spacious, and the noise level is low, resulting in less perceived fatigue.

It's also true that the fact it's a Canadian airline adds to the anticipation.

Looking at the prices, round-trip fares are expected to range from about $517 to $621 as of May 2026.

While this is based on Google Flights and may fluctuate, considering it's a direct flight, the prices seem quite reasonable.

Above all, the biggest advantage is the lack of layover stress if you need to go to Canada.

San Antonio is a city with many tourists, but it has been lacking in international flight options.

This new direct route to Toronto feels like more than just an additional flight; it signals that the city is gradually connecting to the international network. For those who frequently travel to Eastern Canada or have family or friends in Toronto or nearby, this opens up a great option.

It seems that the stature of San Antonio as a city is gradually growing, and as a long-time resident, this news brings me a sense of satisfaction.