Cardiff Gets Its Canada Flight Back
WestJet has launched a new direct service between Cardiff Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport, restoring Wales’ first direct Canada link in nearly 20 years. The inaugural flight landed in Cardiff with a water cannon salute, while passengers and crew were welcomed by local choir Criw Canu. The route gives South Wales a fresh transatlantic option for summer travel.
The service will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport says the route creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada. Guests at the launch included Welsh Government minister Adam Price MS, local officials, Canadian representatives and travel industry partners including Visit Wales.
Flight Schedule
The route will run on the following timetable:
- Toronto to Cardiff: departs 22:10 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Cardiff to Toronto: departs 11:35 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Toronto Pearson also gives passengers access to more than 100 onward destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.
Toronto gives travellers a direct route into one of Canada’s biggest city-break destinations, with access to the CN Tower, waterfront districts, museums, food markets and Niagara Falls within reach for a longer trip. Through Pearson, the route can also connect passengers to Canadian cities such as Calgary, Halifax and Vancouver, as well as US leisure destinations including Florida.
“The launch of service between Cardiff and Toronto is an exciting milestone both for WestJet and the communities the route serves. WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities. Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada."
The new route makes North American trips easier for travellers across South Wales, the South West of England and the Midlands. It also gives Canadian visitors a simpler way to reach Wales without connecting through larger UK airports. The service will not cover every long-haul need, but it gives Cardiff a useful Atlantic link and travellers a more local starting point.