Tunisair Boosts Summer Capacity with Plus Ultra Wet-Lease Agreement

Tunisia’s national carrier Tunisair has signed a wet-lease agreement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, adding wide-body aircraft capacity ahead of the summer 2026 season. The deal, confirmed on 7 May, means Tunisair can maintain reliable service on its long-haul routes to Paris and Montréal at a time when demand is outpacing the airline’s own available fleet.

What the agreement covers

Under a wet-lease, Plus Ultra supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance — Tunisair operates the flights under its own brand and booking system. The arrangement covers high-demand routes, with Paris CDG and Montréal Trudeau specifically named as priority destinations. Passengers who have already booked Tunisair-coded flights are unaffected: the schedule, booking reference, and check-in process remain unchanged.

Why it matters for travellers

Tunisia attracted more than 11 million international visitors in 2025, and forward bookings for summer 2026 are tracking higher still. The UK is among the fastest-growing source markets, with a 40 per cent rise in British arrivals partly driven by increased easyJet capacity. Tunisair’s own widebody fleet has faced intermittent availability constraints — this wet-lease directly addresses the risk of cancellations or aircraft downgrades on transatlantic and European trunk routes during the peak season.

For travellers flying long-haul into Tunis-Carthage International Airport, the practical takeaway is more available seats and a lower risk of last-minute schedule disruptions on the routes covered. Passengers arriving via European hubs should still allow adequate layover time, as code-share arrangements can affect check-in logistics at connecting airports.

Separate from this agreement, Tunisair had earlier in May announced a wet-lease of an Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 787-9 to further expand capacity — a sign of how rapidly inbound demand is growing. Together, these arrangements suggest the airline is actively working to protect its schedules rather than simply cancel when its own fleet falls short.

Planning your arrival

Tunis is the natural first base after a long-haul flight. We recommend reviewing our guide to the best hotels in Tunis before booking, particularly if you are arriving late and want accommodation within easy reach of the centre. The Tunisia travel information hub covers airport transfers, public transit options, and entry formalities in one place. If you are still deciding when to fly, our best time to visit Tunisia guide is worth reading before you commit to dates — late spring and early autumn remain the most comfortable periods to visit.