Leading Canadian airline, WestJet has announced an expansion of its European summer 2024 network. Propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, the airline reintroduced sought-after service connecting Eastern Canada and Europe and introduced new service from Calgary to Reykjavik (Keflavik). As WestJet continues to strengthen its presence in Western Canada, the airline is also enhancing its 787 Dreamliner hub, increasing frequencies for international routes and adding daily exclusive service to Japan.
"Today's announcement underscores our commitment to affordably connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast to some of the world's most popular destinations," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "As we continue to expand upon our growth story, we are not only providing increased accessibility to Canadians but fostering crucial connectivity between communities and driving economic growth through inbound leisure and business travel."
Western Canada's gateway to Iceland, unlocked
With four-times weekly service, beginning May 15, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing direct connectivity to Iceland from Calgary.
"In consultation with local partners, we agreed to announce our intention to begin service to Keflavik in May; we will continue to closely monitor volcanic activity in the region and follow the recommendations of local authorities," continued Weatherill.
Route | Service start
date | Peak frequency | Departure time
(local) | Arrival time
(local) |
Halifax –
Dublin | June 19 | 4x weekly | 10:30 p.m. | 7:55 a.m. |
Dublin –
Halifax | June 20 | 4x weekly | 9:30 a.m. | 11:32 a.m. |
Halifax –
Edinburgh* | June 20 | 3x weekly | 10:40 p.m. | 8:04 a.m. |
Edinburgh –
Halifax* | June 21 | 3x weekly | 9:30 a.m. | 11:38 a.m. |
Halifax –
London
(Gatwick) | April 28 | 4x weekly | 11:00 p.m. | 9:04 a.m. |
London
(Gatwick) -
Halifax | April 29 | 4x weekly | 11:00 a.m. | 1:46 p.m. |
Toronto -
Dublin | March 1 | Daily | 9:45 p.m. | 9:39 a.m. |
Dublin -
Toronto | March 2 | Daily | 11:00 a.m. | 1:54 p.m. |
Toronto –
Edinburgh | May 14 | Daily | 10:15 p.m. | 10:05 a.m. |
Edinburgh -
Toronto | May 15 | Daily | 11:25 a.m. | 1:59 p.m. |
St. John's –
London
(Gatwick) | May 1 | 3x weekly | 12:15 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. |
London
(Gatwick) -
St. John's | May 1 | 3x weekly | 11:00 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. |
*New route not previously operated |
Increased intercontinental frequencies bolster Calgary's position as a convenient two-way tourism gateway for Western Canada.
With increased frequency between Calgary and Tokyo and six transatlantic destinations, WestJet is providing Western Canadian communities with more choice and access to their favourite international destinations this summer. Following a highly successful introduction of non-stop service to Tokyo's Narita International Airport, the airline is responding to significant demand for the popular route and increasing service to daily this summer.
Route | Service start
date | Frequency summer
2024 | Previous frequency
summer 2023 |
Calgary - Tokyo | April 3 | Daily | 3x weekly |
Calgary - Rome | March 16 | 6x weekly | 5x weekly |
Calgary – Barcelona | April 30 | 4x weekly | 3x weekly |
Calgary - Edinburgh | May 12 | 4x weekly | 3x weekly |
Calgary - Paris | Year-round | Daily | No change |
Calgary – London
(Heathrow) | Year-round | Daily | No change |
Calgary - Dublin | April 29 | 5x weekly | No change |
"We at Keflavik Airport are thrilled to welcome our new partners at WestJet to Iceland. WestJet is showing great confidence in Iceland as a destination and we look forward to welcoming their passengers to our beautiful country," said Grétar Már Garðarsson, Director, Airline Relations & Route Development, Keflavik Airport. "In addition, Icelandic travellers can fly to Calgary and enjoy all that the city and the province of Alberta has to offer. WestJet is an important and welcome addition to our Airport Community, a strong partner for years to come."
"This exciting new route connecting YYC and Keflavik International Airport, Iceland's international hub, provides convenient direct access to the captivating beauty of Iceland, and unlocks more opportunities for travellers to explore and connect with destinations in Iceland, Europe and beyond, as we continue to expand Calgary's global connectivity and ensuring that YYC is a premier international gateway," said Chris Dinsdale, CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.
"London's calling and we're on our way! We have worked hard to re-establish a direct connection to Europe, and Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the wide-reaching benefits – from our highly lucrative tourism industry to our business and trade markets. I extend my appreciation to WestJet for seeing the potential that exists in our province and the St. John's International Airport Authority for its dedicated air service development efforts. I look forward to seeing this route succeed," said The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
