Porter Airlines Joins WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat and Other Major Carriers by Expanding Ottawa Winter Travel with Five New Nonstop Routes to Nassau, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Grand Cayman and Liberia

Published on December 13, 2025

Residents of the National Capital Region can now trade frost for sunshine more easily this winter as Porter Airlines joins other carriers in opening five new nonstop connections to warm‑weather destinations. Starting this season, Ottawa International Airport will welcome direct flights from Porter to Nassau (Bahamas), Cancun and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Liberia (Costa Rica) — transforming how Canadians travel for winter breaks.

This rollout marks a notable diversification of Ottawa’s winter air network, offering travellers a broader choice of sunny destinations without transfers, and aligning Ottawa more closely with major leisure markets popular among Canadian sunseekers.

Porter Takes a Bold Step Beyond Its Traditional Network

Porter Airlines, headquartered in Toronto and one of Canada’s largest carriers, has historically focused on east‑west Canadian routes and U.S. cities. However, this winter season signals a strategic shift into international leisure markets, placing Porter in direct competition with other airlines already serving these popular southbound routes.

According to Ottawa International Airport’s press office, Porter’s new services are part of a broad winter schedule designed to meet rising demand for sun and warmth among travellers based in Eastern Canada.

While the airline already announced a broader set of southern routes from multiple Canadian gateways earlier in the year, this latest Ottawa‑focused schedule emphasizes nonstop access from the capital region to some of the most sought‑after vacation spots in the Caribbean and Central America.

Five Direct Routes: Schedule and Seasonal Details

The new itinerary giving Ottawa winter travellers direct access to sunshine includes:

• Nassau, Bahamas — Seasonal flights begin in mid‑December with service set to launch this winter.
• Cancun, Mexico — Direct link launching around mid‑December, perfect for beach lovers.
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Weekly flights expand access to Mexico’s Pacific coast.
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands — One of the region’s most popular destinations comes with new direct service for Ottawa travellers.
• Liberia, Costa Rica — Seasonal service connecting Ottawa to Central America and eco‑adventure gateways.

These routes operate seasonally through the winter months, allowing residents to enjoy tropical weather, beaches, culture, and adventure without the inconvenience of layovers.

Comfort, Connectivity, and Premium Service on Every Flight

Porter planes flying these routes are typically Embraer E195‑E2 jets, noted for their spacious two‑by‑two seating (no middle seats) and onboard amenities including free high‑speed Wi‑Fi and complimentary refreshments.

These features align with Porter’s “elevated economy” promise, aimed at improving the travel experience beyond standard domestic expectations and rival carrier offerings on leisure routes.

What This Means for Ottawa as a Travel Hub

The addition of these direct southern flights strengthens Ottawa International Airport’s position as a year‑round gateway for international travel, especially during the traditionally slower winter season.

Local tourism and airport officials see this development as a vote of confidence in Ottawa’s market demand and its ability to support international leisure traffic. These flights also align with broader government economic goals to enhance connectivity, drive visitor numbers and support tourism industry growth across Canada.

Additionally, the new Costa Rica route — a first for Porter — adds a Central American dimension to Ottawa’s winter schedule and gives travellers streamlined access to a region known for biodiversity, eco‑tourism, beaches, and rainforest adventures.

Regional Response from Destination Tourism Bodies

Destination authorities in the Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands have welcomed Porter’s expansion warmly, noting the potential for increased Canadian visitors. These destinations already rank high among Canadian travellers seeking winter escapes, and the introduction of direct services from Ottawa is expected to boost visitation and cultural exchange.

In the Bahamas, tourism officials highlighted the enhanced accessibility to Nassau’s beaches and resort experiences, while Mexican tourism partners emphasized expanded access to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta’s diverse attractions, from ancient ruins to culinary districts and water sports.

Costa Rican tourism stakeholders similarly pointed to Liberia as a gateway to the Guanacaste region’s renowned natural reserves, world‑class surf and wildlife experiences — now easier for Canadians to reach thanks to this new air service.

Competitive Landscape: Why This Matters

Porter’s international winter strategy coincides with broader airline trends where multiple carriers expand seasonal sun routes to meet robust demand from Canadian flyers. Other major airlines already deploy similar routes from Ottawa and other Canadian cities to warm‑weather markets, making direct access ever more competitive — and beneficial for travellers.

For Ottawa fliers, this means greater choice, competitive fare pricing, and the opportunity to tailor vacations to personal preferences — whether that’s family beach holidays, cultural exploration, or eco‑tourism adventures.
Porter Airlines is making a significant expansion in Ottawa’s winter travel market, joining the ranks of major carriers such as WestJet, Air Canada, and Air Transat with its new nonstop routes to Nassau, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Grand Cayman, and Liberia. This marks a major leap in Ottawa’s international connectivity, offering Ottawa residents more direct options to some of the most sought-after sun destinations.

WestJet

WestJet, a key player in Canada’s airline industry, has long been serving popular sun destinations, including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, from Ottawa. Known for its affordable flights and wide-reaching network, WestJet has built a strong reputation in Ottawa for providing easy access to tropical locations. Their seasonal routes to both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta align with Porter’s new additions, providing residents with multiple choices for tropical getaways.

Air Canada

Air Canada, the flag carrier of Canada, offers direct flights from Ottawa to a range of sunny destinations, including Cancun and Nassau. The airline’s robust schedule to these destinations complements Porter’s expansion and gives travelers more flexibility in choosing their preferred travel dates and times. As a major carrier, Air Canada continues to be a dominant force in the Ottawa sun market, providing premium services alongside Porter’s more economical offerings.

Air Transat

Air Transat, known for its focus on leisure travel, has been a strong player in the Cancun route from Ottawa. The airline also offers seasonal flights to a variety of other tropical locations, catering to Ottawa’s growing demand for winter sun escapes. Air Transat’s long-standing presence in the Ottawa travel market makes it a familiar choice for those seeking reliable, direct flights to sun destinations.

By adding these routes, Porter Airlines now gives Ottawa residents an even broader selection of direct flights to Nassau, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Grand Cayman, and Liberia — matching and enhancing the options already available through these other established carriers.

Looking Forward: Ottawa’s Winter Travel Future

With direct flights now extending well into the Caribbean and Central America, Ottawa travellers are witnessing a transformation in seasonal mobility. What was once a flight‑hub reliance on connecting services is now giving way to straight routes that save time, cut stress and expand holiday options.

As winter weather sets in, Ottawa residents now have not just the option to hop a morning flight to California and Florida, but also to book weeklong escapes to some of the most coveted beaches, tropical cities and nature havens across the Americas — all without leaving the airport.

Conclusion: A Sun‑Filled Season Is Now Within Reach

Ottawa’s winter travel scene is changing. Porter Airlines’ addition of direct links to Nassau, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Grand Cayman and Liberia adds sun, warmth and adventure to Ottawa’s flight portfolio. With these routes joining existing services and broader airline expansions, winter travel from Canada’s capital has never been more inviting or accessible.