Colombia joins UK, US, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Iceland, Mexico and More as WestJet Announces Breakthrough Summer 2026 Network Growth with New Transatlantic, South American and Caribbean Connections

Published on November 19, 2025

Canada is set to enter a new era of global connectivity as Colombia joins the United Kingdom, the United States, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Iceland, Mexico and more in WestJet’s breakthrough Summer 2026 network expansion. This ambitious growth strategy is driven by rising passenger demand, expanding fleet capabilities and the airline’s goal of opening more nonstop pathways between Canada and culturally rich, high-potential markets around the world. By adding new links to South America, strengthening transatlantic access from Toronto and Halifax, and extending Caribbean and sun destination service across key Canadian cities, WestJet aims to deliver broader international reach, improved regional balance and more convenient year-round travel choices for both leisure and business travellers.

In a bold move that redefines its global footprint, WestJet has revealed the first major phase of its Summer 2026 network schedule, marking one of the airline’s most ambitious expansions to date. The announcement introduces five new seasonal international destinations from Toronto, three new transatlantic connections from Halifax, new Nordic service from Western Canada, and additional domestic routes designed to strengthen connectivity across the country.

The centerpiece of the new schedule is a milestone for the airline: its first-ever nonstop connection from Toronto to South America, forging a direct link between Canada’s largest city and Medellín, Colombia—one of Latin America’s fastest-growing tourism and business hubs.

Toronto Emerges as a Strategic Launchpad for New Global Connections

The airline is tapping into the full potential of Toronto Pearson International Airport, pairing the city’s global appeal with its growing fleet of MAX aircraft. As a result, WestJet is introducing new links to underserved yet culturally rich destinations, bridging Toronto with three new global regions.

Newly Announced International Routes from Toronto

• Toronto – Medellín, Colombia (MDE)
  Starts April 28, 2026 | 4x weekly
  This landmark route opens a new chapter for the airline, offering Canadians direct access to Colombia’s mountain-framed cultural hub and connecting Toronto to South America with nonstop efficiency.
• Toronto – Cardiff, United Kingdom (CWL)
  Starts May 22, 2026 | 4x weekly
  The new Cardiff service strengthens Canada–Wales ties and expands transatlantic travel options beyond major UK gateways.
• Toronto – Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (PDL)
  Starts June 12, 2026 | 4x weekly
  Designed for travellers seeking nature-driven adventures, this route enhances access to Portugal’s volcanic island chain in the mid-Atlantic.
• Toronto – Glasgow, Scotland (GLA)
  Starts May 15, 2026 | 4x weekly
  The restoration of Glasgow service reinstates an important link for tourism and diaspora travel between Canada and Scotland.

These additions reflect a strategic push to connect Toronto with regions rich in cultural diversity, opportunity, and economic potential—all while addressing demand for routes previously underserved in the Canadian market.

Halifax Strengthens Its Position as Canada’s Atlantic Gateway

Halifax will play a pivotal role in WestJet’s summer strategy with the introduction of four new seasonal international and transborder routes. This move underscores the carrier’s commitment to fostering balanced national growth and elevating Nova Scotia’s global accessibility.

New Routes from Halifax

• Halifax – Madrid, Spain (MAD)
  Starts May 15, 2026 | 4x weekly
• Halifax – Lisbon, Portugal (LIS)
  Starts May 1, 2026 | 4x weekly | Subject to approval
• Halifax – Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH)
  Starts May 28, 2026 | 4x weekly
• Halifax – Detroit, Michigan (DTW)
  Starts May 18, 2026 | Daily service

With these additions, Halifax gains enhanced access to Southern Europe, Scandinavia, and the U.S. Midwest—providing travellers more options while supporting tourism and economic opportunities across Atlantic Canada.

Edmonton and Winnipeg Gain First-Ever Nonstop Service to Reykjavik

Western Canada also plays a central role in the airline’s 2026 strategy. Edmonton and Winnipeg, two cities deeply connected to the airline’s early history, will be linked directly to Reykjavik (Keflavík), Iceland, giving travellers new entry points to Nordic adventures and onward European connections.

New Nordic Routes

• Edmonton – Reykjavik (KEF)
  Starts June 26, 2026 | 1x weekly
• Winnipeg – Reykjavik (KEF)
  Starts June 27, 2026 | 1x weekly

These routes strengthen international offerings for Prairie travellers while diversifying the airline’s long-haul map beyond traditional hubs.

Expanded Domestic Connectivity for Western Canada

The airline is also widening access within Canada through two new domestic routes geared toward convenience, regional tourism, and business travellers.

• Winnipeg – London, Ontario
  Starts May 17, 2026 | 3x weekly
• Vancouver – Penticton, British Columbia
  Starts May 15, 2026 | 5x weekly

These additions enhance regional mobility and reinforce the airline’s commitment to accessible travel across Canadian communities.

Year-Round Sun Destinations from Five Major Canadian Cities

In addition to new international and domestic routes, the airline is elevating its vacation strategy for 2026. Select sun routes—traditionally seasonal—will now operate year-round from Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Paired with the offerings of aligned vacation brands, travellers will have easier access to warm-weather getaways throughout all seasons.

Year-Round Sun Route Frequencies

• Toronto – Puerto Plata | 1x weekly
• Montreal – Puerto Plata | 1x weekly
• Montreal – Samana | 1x weekly
• Quebec City – Cayo Coco | 1x weekly
• Winnipeg – Cancun | 1x weekly
• Calgary – Mazatlán | 1x weekly
• Calgary – Guadalajara | 1x weekly

These expanded offerings ensure seamless, affordable holiday experiences supported by curated vacation packages available through multiple booking platforms.

A Transformational Step for Canada’s Travel Landscape

With this significant Summer 2026 expansion, WestJet is positioning itself as a stronger global competitor while reinforcing its role at home. The newly unveiled routes deliver more nonstop access to Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America, while also strengthening ties between key Canadian cities.

The network is designed to meet rising traveller demand, unlock economic and tourism opportunities, and enhance the airline’s ability to serve communities across the country with a thoughtful, future-forward approach.