As global competition to host major international conventions intensifies, the Québec City Convention Centre is seeing its appeal soar, thanks to record-breaking growth in air travel from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). In 2026, the number of seats on flights to the capital reached an all-time high, allowing the Convention Centre to offer event planners and participants enhanced accessibility to its world-class facilities.
Unrivalled Growth in Canada
With a 15% increase in seat capacity, YQB has recorded the highest growth rate among major Canadian airports this year. An additional 376,456 seats have been added to the schedule, bringing total capacity to nearly 3 million.
For event organizers, this surge translates into simplified logistics and expanded international reach:
- North American Hubs: Increased flight density to Vancouver, Calgary, and Chicago optimizes travel for Canadian and American participants by reducing layovers.
- Strong Growth in U.S. Service (+44%): The arrival of American Airlines on the New York (JFK) route complements existing service to Newark (EWR). Furthermore, service to Washington (IAD) provides direct access to decision-makers from major associations based in the U.S. capital.
- European Breakthrough (+111%): In addition to Paris, new direct links to Nantes and Marseille now allow European delegates to reach Québec City without additional stopovers.
A Long-Term Strategic Vision
Far from being a temporary spike, this growth is part of a sustainable strategy. YQB is targeting 2.4 million passengers by 2030, a strong vote of confidence from airlines. For planners, this longevity guarantees reliable connections for events scheduled in the medium and long term.
The Québec Experience: Fluidity and Proximity
Beyond the skies, Québec City prides itself on being a “human-scale” destination. Efficiency continues on the ground:
- Speed: Airport-to-downtown transfers in under 20 minutes.
- Physical Connectivity: The Québec City Convention Centre is directly linked via indoor walkways to the Hilton Québec and Delta Hotels by Marriott.
- Efficiency: Reduced wait times, fostering a seamless and stress-free delegate experience.
With this improved accessibility, the Québec City Convention Centre now possesses all the levers needed to propel the region to new heights on the global business events stage.
