LONDON– Air Transat (TS) has launched the first-ever nonstop flights between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), establishing a new direct air link between the United Kingdom and Canada’s capital city.
The inaugural service departed on Friday, marking another expansion milestone for Gatwick’s long-haul network.
Air Transat Ottawa to London Flights
The new seasonal route will operate three times weekly throughout the summer schedule until October 23, 2026. Flights depart London Gatwick at 09:40 local time and arrive in Ottawa at 12:40, while return services leave the Canadian capital at 19:40 and land back in London the following morning at 07:55.
The direct service operates on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays using Air Transat’s long-haul fleet, offering passengers a flight time of approximately seven hours and fifteen minutes.
The route becomes the only nonstop connection currently linking London Gatwick with Ottawa.
The launch strengthens transatlantic connectivity at Gatwick, which is offering nearly 230 destinations during the 2026 summer season, including 56 long-haul routes across North America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Airport officials described the new Ottawa connection as a strategic addition to Gatwick’s Canadian network.
Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development at Gatwick Airport, said the route would improve convenience for travelers on both sides of the Atlantic while reinforcing Canada’s importance within the airport’s long-haul growth strategy.
Macneal added that Ottawa offers a strong mix of tourism, government, and business demand, making it an attractive destination for UK travelers seeking direct access to Canada’s capital region.
Air Transat Expansion Plans
Air Transat said the route reflects the airline’s broader commitment to strengthening its presence in the UK-Canada market while diversifying gateway options beyond Toronto and Montreal.
The carrier has steadily expanded its European footprint in recent years as competition intensifies across the North Atlantic sector.
Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Air Transat, stated that the new service gives UK travelers easier access to Canada’s cultural and outdoor attractions while also improving regional connectivity through partnerships.
Through its cooperation with Porter Airlines (PD), passengers arriving in Ottawa can connect onward to several domestic Canadian destinations and select cities in the United States. The partnership is expected to strengthen Ottawa’s role as a secondary transatlantic gateway within Canada.
The airline also emphasized Ottawa’s operational advantages, including shorter transit times and easier passenger processing compared to larger hub airports.
Long-Haul Growth at Gatwick Airport
The Ottawa launch forms part of Gatwick Airport’s broader effort to expand long-haul connectivity following strong international travel demand recovery.
The airport has added several North American services over the past two years as airlines increase capacity on leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives routes.
Canada remains one of Gatwick’s most important transatlantic markets, with services now extending to cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and Montreal. Ottawa becomes the latest addition to that growing network.
Industry analysts believe secondary Canadian cities are increasingly attracting nonstop European flights as airlines seek underserved markets with stable premium and leisure demand.
The success of the Ottawa route could potentially support future year-round operations if passenger demand remains strong throughout the summer season.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
