MONTREAL, Feb. 9, 2026 /CNW/ – Air Transat announces the temporary suspension of all flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026, following the rapid developments of the past few hours and the announcement by Cuban authorities of an anticipated aviation fuel shortage at destination airports.
At this time, Air Transat’s priority is to ensure the orderly return of its customers currently at destination. The company is in the process of organizing repatriation flights to bring its customers back to Canada, which will be scheduled over the coming days. The aircraft deployed for these operations will carry the necessary fuel to operate these flights.
Depending on how the situation evolves, flights to Cuba may resume as early as May 1, 2026. Air Transat will continue to closely monitor developments and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
For customers
Travellers currently in destination who booked a Transat all‑inclusive package can rely on the support of on‑site representative teams, who remain available to answer questions. Those who booked a flight directly with Air Transat or a package including an Air Transat flight through another tour operator may contact the destination assistance service using the phone number that will be provided to them for ongoing support until their return home.
Air Transat will reach out to all customers currently in destination to share details about their return flights.
All existing bookings for travel to Cuba scheduled between February 11 and April 30, 2026 will be automatically cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment on file. No action is required from customers.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com
EDMONTON, AB | February 5, 2026 – Flair Airlines delivered industry-leading operational performance in January, setting the benchmark for reliability during one of the most demanding months of the winter travel season.
In January, Flair delivered a 97.2% completion factor, a 67.6% A15 on-time performance, up four points year over year, and an 85.4% A60 on-time performance. These results led the industry, outperforming Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet. Extreme weather conditions throughout the month drove the majority of cancellations.
“Winter weather challenged the entire industry in January,” said Flair CEO Maciej Wilk. “Our teams remained focused on delivering reliable, on-time service for customers, and these results reflect that commitment.”
January Performance Overview
Airline
A15 On-Time Performance
Completion Factor
Flair Airlines
67.6%
97.2%
WestJet
64.1%
95.9%
Air Canada
57.4%
89.6%
Porter
51.4%
95.7%
Source: Cirium
In addition to outstanding operational performance, Flair flew 285,506 passengers in January with an 83.1% load factor, reflecting sustained demand across its network.
Flair also continued to operate an efficient, modern fleet, recording 97.30 grams of CO₂ per revenue passenger mile, reinforcing its position as one of Canada’s greenest airlines. “We’re confident these results will carry us forward through the rest of 2026,” Wilk added. “Reliability is not a moment for us; it’s the standard our customers should expect every time they chose Flair.”
As the winter season continues, Flair remains focused on operational discipline, network reliability, and delivering a predictable, affordable travel experience. Every milestone continues to move Flair FWD
About Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is Canada’s most reliable and greenest airline, on a mission to make air travel affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. With a growing fleet of fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair connects 25 cities across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Flair FWD is our ongoing commitment to better travel – delivering smarter service, stress-free travel with Flair Express, low fares, and customer experiences that go beyond expectations.
WestJet is responding to the developing situation in Cuba and the latest travel advisory by Global Affairs Canada. At this time, the Government of Canada continues to advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Cuba, related to fuel shortages and impacts to essential services that may disrupt travel on short notice.
Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, WestJet Group has made the decision to begin an orderly wind down of our winter operations to Cuba, this is inclusive of WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
To lessen the strain on local resources, beginning today, WestJet will depart Canada with empty aircraft to support the organized return of guests currently vacationing in Cuba. All aircraft dispatched to Cuba will carry sufficient fuel to safely depart without reliance on local fuel availability.
Information regarding guest cancellations and next steps can be found at Guest Updates Hub.
February 09, 2026 – Air Transat, along with other carriers, has been notified by Cuban authorities of a temporary suspension of kerosene refueling at airports in the country.
We understand that this situation may be concerning. Given its unpredictable nature, we are offering additional flexibility to all customers holding tickets to Cuba through April 30, 2026.
Departures from February 9 to 28, 2026 inclusive
Date or destination change with no penalty or
(For reservations made prior to February 09, 2026): Full refund via same method of payment on file
Departures from March 1 to April 30, 2026 inclusive
Change of date or destination without penalty, with issuance of a travel credit equal to the value of the original booking.
Customers or travel agencies must submit a cancellation request to trigger the travel credit. It will be issued within 48 hours. Travellers may then rebook their vacation for any date and destination of their choice. The credit will remain valid for one year from the original return date.
Airline will operate empty flights to Cuba to pick up and return customers
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada said that effective today it is suspending its service to Cuba due to an ongoing shortage of aviation fuel on the island. Over the following days, the airline will operate empty flights southbound to pick up approximately 3,000 customers already at destination and return them home.
Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports. For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make a technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.
Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date.
Customers
Air Canada’s immediate priority is to return customers already in Cuba to Canada. It will operate empty ferry flights to the island over the coming days to maintain its regular schedule from Cuba to Canada over the near-term to pick up these customers. Air Canada currently has approximately 3,000 customers in Cuba, most of whom are travelling on Air Canada Vacations Packages.
Throughout the process, Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations monitored the situation closely, first introducing a flexible rebooking policy for customers travelling to Cuba. Air Canada Vacations is now introducing a refund policy, allowing customers who had scheduled departures to Cuba and experienced flight cancellations to automatically receive a full refund in their original form of payment. There is no need for these customers to contact the Air Canada Vacations’ Contact Centre.
Customers currently in Cuba who booked an Air Canada Vacations package can receive direct support from Air Canada Vacations’ local representatives, who are available to address any questions or concerns.
Air Canada Cuba Schedule
Air Canada operates on average 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba from Toronto and Montreal. These include:
From Toronto:
4 times weekly to Jardines del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco,
2 times weekly to Frank País Airport in Holguín,
4 times weekly to Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero,
Once weekly to Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara.
From Montreal:
3 times weekly to Jardines del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco,
2 times weekly to Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero.
At present, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are schedule to operate yearround but are currently suspended with a tentative restart, pending review, on May 1. All Flights are normally operated on various narrow body aircraft between Mainline and Rouge. Air Canada will look to redeploy these aircraft to other destinations.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Air Canada Foundation has launched its Big Dreams Grant Program, which aims to empower organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and youth across Canada. With Team Canada going for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina and inspiring young Canadians with their perseverance and drive, the Big Dreams Grant Program supports initiatives that use sport and active recreation as tools for confidence‑building, resilience, inclusion and personal growth.
The Program consists of two grants of $100,000 each: the Healthy Futures Grant, for sport‑based programs that promote wellness, inclusion, and resilience among equity‑deserving youth; and the Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant, for initiatives enabling youth with disabilities to participate fully and confidently in physical activity. Both grants reflect the spirit of Team Canada, where sport inspires transformation, hope, ambition, and the courage to dream big.
“Launching the Big Dreams Grant Program is an incredibly meaningful milestone for us,” said Eric Lauzon, Director, Community Relations and Partnerships. “These grants are about opening doors that strengthen the health and well-being of children and youth by giving them spaces to move, belong, and grow with confidence. As Team Canada shows us time and again, sport has the power to inspire resilience, belonging, and possibility. Through this program, we are proud to support organizations that help young people across Canada discover their potential, strengthen their well-being and dream beyond limits.”
The applications are now open and must be submitted by March 15, 2026. To qualify, Canadian charitable organizations must serve equity-deserving youth, including racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, and underserved communities, or children and youth with disabilities, with a focus on inclusive physical activity. Submissions will be reviewed after the deadline, with successful applicants notified in spring 2026.
About the Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2024 Impact Report.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
New routes and added frequencies strengthen regional connectivity and improve access across Canada
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 9, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet is expanding its domestic network with new non-stop summer service between Calgary (YYC) and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (YAM), North Bay, Ontario (YYB) and Campbell River, British Columbia (YBL). WestJet is also adding non-stop seasonal service between Terrace, B.C. (YXT) and Edmonton (YEG), strengthening domestic connectivity within Western Canada.
“Adding these routes to our summer 2026 schedule reinforces WestJet’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and supporting tourism and economic growth across Canada,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “The new routes will give guests from across Canada greater choice to explore their own backyard, as well as more efficient access to onward connections through WestJet’s home province.”
Improving access between Sault Ste. Marie, Campbell River and North Bay to WestJet’s global hub in Calgary will connect guests to destinations across the Americas, Europe and Asia, while also offering seamless connectivity for Alberta-based tourists to uncover paths less travelled in British Columbia and Ontario.
Beyond the four new routes, WestJet is adding additional flights between some of its most popular domestic routes between Eastern and Western Canada. The airline will increase domestic capacity at Halifax Stanfield International Airport by almost 50 per cent with significant increases in flight frequencies to Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, Toronto, Regina and Saskatoon. WestJet is also doubling its capacity between Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador and Calgary.
By improving East-West domestic connectivity, WestJet is helping stimulate travel across Canada. Canadians from every region will benefit from better access to Atlantic Canada, supporting tourism, commerce, community connections and seamless onward connections to Europe. These routes also support outbound domestic travel from Atlantic Canada, allowing East Coast Canadians to access more of their country than ever before.
For more information or to book flights, visit WestJet.com.
Additional quotes
“The season of summer travel is fast-approaching, and WestJet’s expanded direct flights will encourage Canadians to see more of their country. YYC is proud to partner with WestJet to connect travellers with great destinations across Canada and around the globe.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to Campbell River to deliver a seasonal service from Calgary to Campbell River in 2026. This new route to a major travel hub is a significant milestone in growing the City of Campbell River Airport (YBL) and strengthening air service to and from Campbell River. It offers enhanced connectivity to other regions for residents, businesses and visitors, which also supports the community’s economy, growth and livability. Campbell River continues to grow as a destination, and transportation investments such as this open up exciting new travel options and show confidence in the community and the opportunities here.”
Kermit Dahl, Mayor of Campbell River
“The City of Campbell River Airport (YBL) has served Campbell River and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. This seasonal service from WestJet delivers new, local options for leisure travellers, resource-sector workers and other business travellers on their way to destinations across North America and beyond. We also know that this area is highly attractive to both domestic and international visitors, and we’re pleased to offer more options to bring them directly to Campbell River and North Island. Wherever your trip’s taking you, thanks for making the Campbell River Airport part of the journey.”
Dennis Brodie, Campbell River Airport Manager
“We’re thrilled to welcome WestJet to North Bay and to see direct service to Calgary coming to our community. This new route is a significant win for residents, visitors, and local businesses, providing convenient access to Western Canada and onward connections across the globe. Strong air service is essential to economic development, tourism growth, and the ongoing success of Jack Garland Airport, and this announcement reinforces North Bay’s role as a regional hub and a city open for business.”
Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay
“Today marks an exciting milestone for our airport and our entire region as we proudly welcome WestJet and celebrate the launch of their inaugural air service from North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB). This new partnership strengthens our airport’s history and commitment to connect people, places, and possibilities. With WestJet’s impressive Canadian and international network, our community and region now have access to an even greater range of destinations and travel opportunities–right from home here in North Bay. We look forward to welcoming returning and new travelers to YYB as they board one of multiple flights each week to Calgary and beyond. Your support makes initiatives such as these successful.”
Bryan Avery, Airport Manager, North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation
“The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation is thrilled that WestJet has decided to return to Sault Ste. Marie. The community has long asked for direct flights to the west, and now WestJet is here to make that request a reality. We are excited to see this new connection to Calgary and beyond.”
Terry Bos, President & CEO, Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation
“Reliable air service between Edmonton and Terrace-Kitimat plays an important role in supporting Western Canada’s energy and industrial sectors. Increased WestJet service on this route strengthens supply-chain connectivity and reinforces Edmonton’s role as a key transportation hub linking Alberta with major industrial centres in northern British Columbia.”
James Jackson, Vice President, Air Service and Business Development, Edmonton International Airport.
“The Northwest Regional Airport, Terrace-Kitimat (YXT), is pleased to welcome WestJet’s announcement of a new direct route between Terrace and Edmonton, launching in Summer 2026. This new service enhances travel options for Northern BC residents and businesses, and further positions YXT as a key transportation hub in the region. This added connectivity brings greater flexibility for travellers and supports economic growth by opening access to Alberta’s capital. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with WestJet as we expand air access and serve the evolving needs of our communities.”
Carman Hendry, YXT Airport General Manager
“Enhanced domestic connectivity means more seamless travel for passengers and stronger support for WestJet’s expanded European services in Halifax. This investment is critical as it improves choice and convenience for travellers while driving tourism, trade, and economic growth for our region.”
Marie Manning, Vice President, Business Development & Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority.
About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
MONTREAL, Feb. 6, 2026 /CNW/ – Air Transat, voted World’s Best Leisure Airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, proudly operated its first flights to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) this week. Flight TS272 departed Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Wednesday evening, February 4, while flight TS274 took off from YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Thursday evening, February 5. With these new non-stop services, Air Transat offers travellers seamless access to one of South America’s most iconic destinations and becomes the only airline to connect Montreal directly to Rio de Janeiro.
Flight TS272 crew – Photo credit: Elaine Fancy (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)Karl Brochu, Vice President of Airport Operations and Air Service Development at ADM; Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat; The Honorable Bárbara Bélkior de Souza e Silva, Deputy Consul General of Brazil in Montreal; and crew members of flight TS2724 – Photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)
The new Toronto–Rio de Janeiro service operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until June 10, 2026. The Montreal–Rio de Janeiro route, offered exclusively by Air Transat, runs once weekly on Thursdays until June 4, 2026. Both routes are served by the Airbus A330, ensuring travellers enjoy spacious cabins and a comfortable journey.
“Inaugurating our non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro from both Toronto and Montreal is a bold step in expanding our South American offering,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer. “These routes create a direct bridge between Canada and Brazil, making it easier for travellers to experience Rio’s vibrant culture and for families and friends to reunite across continents. And as the only airline offering a non-stop flight from Montreal to Rio, we are proud to provide an exclusive option that brings Canadians and Brazilians closer together.”
“Travel between Canada and Rio de Janeiro is a growing market, with 44,000 passengers travelling annually between these two markets, nearly half of which arrive and depart from Toronto Pearson,” said Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson. “Air Transat’s new non-stop service responds directly to this momentum and gives our passengers even more options to reach Brazil and the legendary skyline of Rio de Janeiro. We’re proud to support this route and the opportunities it creates for both business and leisure travellers.”
“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome this first non‑stop service to Rio de Janeiro, operated by our partner Air Transat. This new route will give travellers the chance to discover a destination known for its vibrant culture and remarkable diversity,” said Karl Brochu, Vice President, Airport Operations and Air Service Development at ADM. “Beyond boosting tourism, this connection will also strengthen economic, cultural, and family ties between Quebec and Brazil. We extend our sincere thanks to all the Air Transat teams who worked tirelessly to bring this route to life.”
“Air Transat will commence regular operations in Brazil for the first time, with RIOgaleão and the ‘Marvelous City’ as its gateway to the country. In addition to expanding connectivity with Toronto, the airline will introduce Montreal as a new international destination from Tom Jobim International Airport. This investment in Rio de Janeiro underscores the strength of the local market and the city’s appeal on the global stage,” added Alexandre Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão.
Travellers flying to Rio de Janeiro with Air Transat can also benefit from the airline’s interline partnership with GOL Airlines. From Galeão International Airport (GIG), this agreement provides smooth onward connections to GOL’s extensive network of destinations across Brazil and South America. These include major cities such as São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador and Belo Horizonte – making it easier than ever to explore Brazil and beyond.
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal in 1987, Air Transat is a leading travel brand voted 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations, mainly in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and North Africa. Air Transat is recognized for its excellent customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category. Based in Montreal with major hubs in YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), it has 5,000 employees with a common purpose to bring people closer together. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 5, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet Group is pleased to announce that Marek Andryszak will join the organization as President, Sunwing Vacations Group, effective March 16, 2026. Andryszak will replace Andrew Dawson who announced his retirement in 2025.
Marek Andryszak (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)
“Marek, known for his global mindset and a strong appreciation for cultural diversity, is widely recognized for building high-performing teams and successfully launching new business ventures,” says John Weatherill, WestJet Group Chief Commercial Officer. “We are excited to welcome Marek, his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the Sunwing Vacations Group as we strengthen our position as the market leader in the Canadian packaged tours market.”
Andryszak brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the tour operator sector, having held executive roles at DSR Hotel Holding and TUI Group. His expertise spans leading major initiatives including modernizing tour operator distribution channels, driving international growth, advancing product development, and strengthening cost and capacity management–all critical capabilities as WestJet continues to grow and evolve its tour operator business.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the WestJet Group and leading Sunwing Vacations at such an exciting time for the business. Canada’s travel market offers incredible opportunities, and I look forward to working with our talented teams to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our customers,” Says Andryszak. “My family and I are eager to make the move to Toronto and embrace life in Canada as we start this new chapter together.”
About Sunwing Vacations Group
Sunwing Vacations Group, the vacation division of the WestJet Group, encompasses the leading Canadian vacation brands Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Québec, along with the growing United States tour operator Vacation Express, together with the group’s travel retail businesses SellOffVacations.com and Luxe Destination Weddings. Together they form the largest vacations brands in North America. More information on each brand, the company’s growth trajectory and employment opportunities can be found at sunwingvacationsgroup.com.
About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing, WestJet now has more than 14,000 WestJetters to support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
New route complements existing service from Toronto and Ottawa
MONTREAL–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is inaugurating nonstop flights today between Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS). This marks the airline’s first Caribbean service from Montreal. This winter seasonal service operates up to three times weekly and enhances Porter’s presence in The Bahamas, complementing existing service from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Ottawa (YOW). Passengers now have the flexibility to access Nassau from three of Porter’s Eastern Canadian hubs, offering more options for winter getaways.
“Launching our first Caribbean flight from Montreal is a great addition for travellers who want more choice and convenience when planning winter travel,” said Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. “Passengers can expect Porter’s elevated economy experience, including no middle seats and thoughtful service.”
The route is flown by Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, configured with 132 seats in a comfortable two-by-two layout. Every passenger also benefits from free, fast WiFi, while enjoying Porter’s signature onboard hospitality that includes complimentary premium Canadian snacks and beer and wine served in glassware.
Travellers looking for additional comfort and flexibility can choose the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares, which provide benefits such as flexible ticketing options, priority services at the airport and extra legroom seating at the front of the aircraft. PorterReserve customers are also treated to fresh, high-quality meals and premium pre-mixed cocktails. These perks can be added à la carte when booking PorterClassic fares.
Members of the VIPorter loyalty program can use their points to book trips to sun destinations, with redemptions starting from as low as 10,000 points for a one-way flight.
Nassau serves as a gateway to The Bahamas, offering visitors immediate access to world-famous beaches, rich local culture, and exceptional hospitality. This new direct link from Montreal connects passengers to the heart of the islands, creating seamless opportunities to explore the diverse attractions in Nassau or connect to the wider archipelago for a unique island-hopping experience.
Flights are available for booking at flyporter.com and through travel agents.
Additional Quotes
“ADM Aéroports de Montréal is thrilled to welcome this flight to Nassau, operated by our partner Porter, which will delight travellers seeking warmth, entertainment, and unforgettable memories. We are very pleased to support Porter in expanding its service offering with its very first international destination at YUL. It’s the diversity of the offer that makes our air service so rich, and we extend our gratitude to the entire Porter team for their relentless efforts in making this a reality.”
– Karl Brochu, vice president, airport operations and air services development, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM)
“LPIA is pleased to welcome Porter Airlines’ new nonstop service from Montreal to Nassau. This new route further strengthens our airport’s role as a key regional hub and reflects continued, strategic growth in airlift to The Bahamas. As passenger demand increases, we remain focused on maintaining a careful balance between airport growth and expansion, and service excellence at LPIA. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Porter Airlines and our tourism and aviation partners to ensure the long-term success of this new route.”
– Vernice Walkine, president & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD)
“The launch of Montreal–Nassau service is a strong vote of confidence in Nassau & Paradise Island. Canada remains a key area for our destination, with interest from Montreal rising and visits to our website up more than 130% from this market. This expanded connectivity strengthens our reach while supporting sustained, demand-led airlift, and we’re pleased to deepen our partnership with Porter Airlines and welcome even more visitors from Canada.”
– Joy Jibrilu, CEO, Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board
About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®.
