Airline new to Charleston bringing 1st daily international flight to South Carolina

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Air Canada is boosting its North American network capacity with the addition of Charleston as a nonstop destination.  The daily international service between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) begins March 28, 2024.

This will be the state’s only daily nonstop international flight, according to a news release from the airport and Explore Charleston.

“Charleston International Airport is delighted to welcome the addition of Toronto as an international destination, made possible by the introduction of Air Canada’s daily flights providing a seamless link between Canada’s largest metropolitan area and the Charleston Lowcountry,” Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO at Charleston International Airport, said in the news release. “Not only does the new service connect two of the top cosmopolitan destinations worldwide, renowned for their extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, entertainment and leisure adventures, this route offers customers unmatched travel options and conveniences, whether travelling for leisure, visiting friends and family, or for business.”

Flight 8629 will leave Toronto at 6:40 p.m. and arrive in Charleston at 8:58 p.m. Flight 8628 will leave CHS at 10 a.m. each day and arrive in Toronto at 12;21 p.m.

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“Air Canada’s announcement is a major milestone for our industry, the Charleston region and beyond. International visitation is integral to a healthy and sustainable tourism economy,” Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and chair of the Aviation Authority Board said in the release. “While Canada is consistently our top country of origin for international visitors, we know there is tremendous untapped potential in the market. Beyond increasing access for leisure travelers, the daily, nonstop service creates more opportunity to recruit group business and provides improved connectivity for Charleston area residents traveling to Canada and other international destinations served through Air Canada’s Toronto hub.”

The Toronto-Charleston flight begins March 28; the Charleston-Toronto flight begins March 29.

“New destinations and routes reflect Air Canada’s market leadership and network diversification strategy of adding capacity to in-demand leisure destinations,” said Mark Galardo, executive vice president, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.