Air Canada announced Tuesday that its non-stop route between Ottawa and London will continue to operate through the off-season.
The direct flight between the Ottawa International Airport and London Heathrow Airport resumed this past spring for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally pitched as a seasonal route, it was scheduled to operate four times weekly from March 31, 2025 until Oct. 25, 2025, with Air Canada’s Dreamliner fleet. A spokesperson told OBJ last week that, after an off-season break, the flight would resume operating March 30, 2026.
(Sponsored)
Family-owned Coke Canada Bottling investing to grow in Ottawa-Gatineau
Have you ever wondered where your favourite Coca-Cola products come from? Few people in know that over 300 popular beverages products, like Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fuze, Fanta, Monster Energy, A&W
Invest with confidence: Hydro Ottawa funds technical studies for business retrofits
For Ottawa businesses, the opportunity to improve building performance has never been greater. Energy retrofits can cut emissions, strengthen operations, extend the life of assets, reduce operating costs, and position
However, Air Canada said Tuesday that the Ottawa-London route will fly three times a week through the winter of 2025-2026.
According to a news release, the airline will run one departure and one return flight per day on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from Nov. 2, 2025 to March 27, 2026. After that, flights will increase to four per week.
Susan Margles, president and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority, said in a news release that the decision is “a win for travellers, businesses and our entire community.”
“In today’s global landscape, strong connections between Canada’s Capital Region and strategic markets like the United Kingdom are more vital than ever,” said Margles. “Air Canada’s decision to extend its YOW-LHR service through the winter is great news — it reflects the airline’s confidence in our region, its deep commitment to Ottawa–Gatineau, and its role as a leading international carrier.”
“I regularly hear from business leaders and residents that we need more direct links to Ottawa. The connection to London has been very successful and well-received. Expanding to year-round service will enhance Ottawa’s success as both a business and visitor destination. It strengthens our connection to the world, supports economic growth, and makes our city even more accessible as a place to visit, live, and invest in,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in the release.
“With the strength tourism has shown throughout the summer months helping to set the foundation going into the colder season, Air Canada’s extension of the Heathrow to Ottawa route for the winter is a tangible signal of confidence in Ottawa as a year-round destination,” Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, said in the release.
“This continued service ensures vital connectivity with our top overseas market. We appreciate Air Canada’s commitment and confidence, and we remain focused on supporting this route through proactive marketing and by offering an appealing destination for all visitors,” Crockatt added.
“Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country’s capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long,” Mark Galardo, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer and president of cargo, said in the release.
It’s been a relatively stable year for the Ottawa International Airport, which reported earlier this summer that the number of monthly passengers in June surpassed 400,000 for the first time since 2019.
Both domestic and international travel contributed to that growth. The airport saw 352,161 domestic passengers, compared to 330,966 in June 2024, and 24,899 international passengers, compared to 16,244 the previous year.
In addition to the London route, Air Canada said it will be operating more than 450 weekly flights to and from Ottawa this winter, including regional, domestic, international and transborder flights.
