Published on
December 2, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
WestJet, a major Canadian airline, has unveiled six new summer 2025 routes, expanding its international network and offering more direct flights to sought-after destinations across Europe, South America, and North America. These new routes will connect Toronto, Halifax, and Western Canada to several exciting international locations, making it easier for Canadians to travel and explore new destinations.
Among the most notable new routes is WestJet’s first-ever non-stop flight to Medellín, Colombia from Toronto. This marks an important step in connecting Canada with South America and offering Canadians direct access to one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities. The airline is also launching new services between Toronto and Cardiff, United Kingdom, and Ponta Delgada, Portugal (located in the Azores archipelago). For those traveling to Scotland, WestJet is bringing back its non-stop service between Toronto and Glasgow, further strengthening its connections to Europe.
Who Will Benefit From These New Routes?
These six new routes offer Canadians more opportunities to travel, whether for business, leisure, or cultural exploration. For residents of Toronto, the new flights to Medellín, Cardiff, and Ponta Delgada offer a more direct and convenient way to explore South America and Europe. For travelers in Halifax, WestJet will launch seasonal non-stop flights to Madrid, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Detroit, Michigan, adding to the already robust offering from the East Coast of Canada. Additionally, Edmonton and Winnipeg residents will benefit from direct flights to Reykjavik, Iceland, making it easier for them to visit Europe’s gateway to the North Atlantic.
These new destinations have been strategically chosen to provide travelers with more options to explore culturally rich destinations, offering them access to European cities known for their history, culture, and natural beauty, as well as South American cities that are gaining popularity among international travelers.
Where Are the New Routes Operating?
The new routes from Toronto will provide direct flights to Medellín (Colombia), Cardiff (United Kingdom), and Ponta Delgada (Portugal). With Medellín being WestJet’s first South American destination, the airline is meeting the growing demand for travel to South America. The Cardiff route will make it easier for Canadian travelers to visit Wales, a country known for its stunning landscapes, castles, and rich history. The Ponta Delgada route offers a direct connection to the Azores, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that are known for their dramatic landscapes, volcanoes, and lush greenery.
From Halifax, WestJet is expanding its international offering with seasonal non-stop flights to Madrid (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Detroit (Michigan). These destinations provide access to the Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula, and Northern Europe, regions that are growing in popularity for both tourism and business.
The new Reykjavik routes from Edmonton and Winnipeg strengthen WestJet’s European reach, providing a gateway to Iceland—a country famed for its unique landscapes, geothermal features, and vibrant culture. Finally, Western Canadians will also benefit from new domestic connections, with Vancouver to Penticton and Winnipeg to London added to WestJet’s growing network.
When Do These New Routes Begin?
These seasonal routes will be operational starting in summer 2025, a peak travel season when many Canadians take vacations abroad. WestJet is leveraging this opportunity to meet the demand for new connections between Canada and high-demand destinations. These routes reflect the airline’s ongoing commitment to providing convenient travel options for both leisure and business travelers, particularly in the summer months when demand for international travel is at its highest.
Why Are These New Routes Important?
These seasonal routes will be operational starting in summer 2025, a peak travel season when many Canadians take vacations abroad. WestJet is leveraging this opportunity to meet the demand for new connections between Canada and high-demand destinations. These routes reflect the airline’s ongoing commitment to providing convenient travel options for both leisure and business travelers, particularly in the summer months when demand for international travel is at its highest.
Why Are These New Routes Important?
The launch of Medellín as a direct destination from Toronto is a landmark achievement for WestJet, as the airline continues to diversify its international offerings to include South America. The addition of Cardiff and Ponta Delgada is equally significant, as WestJet strengthens its ties to Europe and helps connect Canada to a wider range of destinations that are culturally rich and increasingly popular with international travelers. These cities represent dynamic travel markets that are underserved by many airlines, making WestJet’s new routes a valuable addition for Canadian travelers.
In addition, the new Halifax routes to Madrid, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and Detroit will provide the East Coast of Canada with more direct access to key cities in Europe and North America, reinforcing Halifax’s role as a growing international hub. The Reykjavik routes from Edmonton and Winnipeg will also be highly beneficial, as they provide travelers with easier access to Iceland, which has become an increasingly popular stop for travelers heading to Europe.
How Is WestJet Enhancing Its Service Offering?
WestJet is investing in smart fleet expansion to support these new routes, including the addition of more MAX aircraft to its network. These aircraft are not only fuel-efficient but also provide a more comfortable flying experience for passengers. Additionally, WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations are offering vacation packages that combine flights and accommodations, allowing travelers to have seamless and affordable travel experiences. These packages will be available on the airline’s dedicated vacation websites, making it easier for travelers to book their trips with the added convenience of all-inclusive deals.
What Does This Expansion Mean for Travelers?
This global expansion by WestJet allows Canadians to connect to more destinations in Europe, South America, and North America without the hassle of multiple layovers. With direct flights to places like Medellín, Cardiff, and Ponta Delgada, travelers can now easily access cultured, historic, and vibrant cities that were previously harder to reach. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of Portugal, the cultural richness of Colombia, or the unique landscapes of Iceland, these new routes offer a world of possibilities for Canadian travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
The expansion also reinforces WestJet’s commitment to sustainable growth, with new aircraft designed to lower carbon emissions and make air travel more eco-friendly. These routes are sure to be welcomed by travelers seeking affordable, direct connections to popular international destinations.
Image: WestJet
