TORONTO- Porter Airlines (PD) is launching its first-ever winter flights to five sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica starting in November 2025. These routes will operate from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW), and Hamilton (YHM) airports.
This expansion marks Porter Airlines’ entry into international leisure markets outside its traditional Canada–US network. The airline will offer 13 nonstop routes to five popular vacation spots, leveraging its unique service model that emphasizes comfort and premium economy for all.
Porter Airlines’ Five New Destinations
The winter schedule introduces Porter’s inaugural flights to tropical destinations, signifying its intent to compete directly in the warm-weather leisure market.
The five destinations—Cancún (CUN), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Nassau (NAS), Grand Cayman (GCM), and Liberia (LIR)—will be served multiple times per week from its three Canadian hubs.
This international push complements Porter’s domestic and U.S. network and aligns with its recent aircraft fleet expansion.
The airline is deploying the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 jets on these routes, known for their two by two seating, no middle seats, and enhanced onboard amenities.
Porter’s president, Kevin Jackson, emphasized the airline’s distinct service experience as a differentiator in this competitive market.
Winter Flight Schedule
Below is the planned Porter Airlines (PD) schedule for five new destinations:
| Destination | Departure Airport | Peak Weekly Flights | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancún (CUN) | Toronto Pearson | 7 | Nov. 5, 2025 |
| Ottawa | 3 | Dec. 17, 2025 | |
| Hamilton | 4 | Dec. 17, 2025 | |
| Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | Toronto Pearson | 3 | Nov. 14, 2025 |
| Ottawa | 2 | Dec. 13, 2025 | |
| Hamilton | 2 | Dec. 18, 2025 | |
| Nassau (NAS) | Toronto Pearson | 7 | Nov. 26, 2025 |
| Ottawa | 1 | Dec. 13, 2025 | |
| Hamilton | 2 | Dec. 14, 2025 | |
| Grand Cayman (GCM) | Toronto Pearson | 3 | Dec. 16, 2025 |
| Ottawa | 1 | Dec. 19, 2025 | |
| Liberia (LIR) | Toronto Pearson | 3 | Dec. 4, 2025 |
| Ottawa | 2 | Dec. 17, 2025 |
Porter Airlines continues to focus on passenger comfort and value. Every fare includes:
- No middle seats on the E195-E2 jets
- Free high-speed WiFi
- Complimentary premium snacks
- Free beer and wine served in glassware
Travelers can also choose PorterReserve for all-inclusive service, or customize their experience à la carte with PorterClassic offerings, including fresh meals, extra legroom, and cocktails.
Strategic Partnership
Porter becomes the sole carrier on several of these new routes: from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, and from Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau.
This exclusivity offers travelers in these regions direct access to vacation destinations previously unserved by any other carrier.
Additionally, the airline’s partnership with Air Transat (TS) enhances route flexibility and expands redemption options for VIPorter loyalty members, who can book flights for as low as 10,000 points one-way.
Industry and Destination Reactions
The expansion has garnered enthusiastic support from tourism and airport authorities:
- Cancun (CUN): Alejandro Vales Lehne of ASUR welcomed Porter, anticipating success for Canadian travelers exploring Cancun’s paradise-like offerings.
- Cayman Islands (GCM): Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, praised the new Toronto (YYZ) and Ottawa (YOW) routes, highlighting enhanced access to Cayman’s beaches, culture, and hospitality.
- Costa Rica (LIR): Minister William Rodriguez Lopez noted growing Canadian interest in Costa Rica, with new routes boosting access to Guanacaste’s natural and cultural attractions.
- The Bahamas (NAS): Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper emphasized the alignment of Porter’s service with The Bahamas’ strategy to expand air connectivity.
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR): Jalisco’s Minister of Tourism, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, celebrated strengthened ties with Canada, expecting increased visitors to Puerto Vallarta and other regional destinations.
- Airports: Leaders from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW), and Hamilton (YHM) expressed excitement, noting the routes enhance traveler choice and connectivity.
Strategic Expansion
Porter’s move into sun destinations follows Canadian Transportation Agency approval for flights to Costa Rica, Jamaica, and other regions, signaling a broader international strategy.
The airline’s focus on underserved routes, such as Ottawa (YOW) to Grand Cayman (GCM), positions it to capture market share in competitive leisure travel markets.
By leveraging Toronto Pearson (YYZ) as a primary hub for long-haul routes, Porter diversifies beyond its Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) base, addressing operational limitations while scaling its Embraer E195-E2 fleet.
This expansion aligns with a rebound in Canadian travel demand for sun destinations, positioning Porter to challenge legacy carriers.
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