May 19, 2026 Team Contributor
Air Transat has launched its first-ever direct service between London Gatwick and Ottawa, strengthening air connectivity between Canada and the UK. The new route reflects growing international demand for travel to Ottawa while expanding leisure and business access between the two capitals.
The Direct Route Expands Ottawa’s International Network
The seasonal nonstop service officially began this month, marking Air Transat’s debut at Ottawa International Airport. Flights will operate up to three times weekly during the summer season using the Airbus A321LR aircraft.
As per a news report from CBC/Radio-Canada, Howard Liebman, vice-president of government relations at Air Transat, said the airline added the new route in response to passenger demand.
He said, “The people of Ottawa-Gatineau and the wider area were looking for another option to take them to London and to Europe.”
The launch provides Ottawa with its first direct connection to London Gatwick Airport, offering travellers an alternative to connecting through Toronto or Montreal. Aviation analysts say the route signals growing international confidence in Ottawa’s travel market as passenger demand continues to recover.
Air Transat Canada-UK Route Network
| Route | Frequencies in Summer | Frequencies in Winter |
| London Gatwick – Ottawa | Up to 3 flights/week | – |
| London Gatwick – Toronto | Up to 11 flights/week | Up to daily flights |
| London Gatwick – Montreal | Up to 8 flights/week | – |
| Glasgow – Toronto | Up to 6 flights/week | One flight/week |
| Manchester – Toronto | Up to 6 flights/week | Up to two flights/week |
Ottawa Emerging as a Stronger International Gateway
Tourism and aviation officials say Ottawa’s expanding global connections are being driven by increasing leisure travel, government traffic, education-related travel, and business demand.
The Airbus A321LR has also enabled airlines to operate long-haul services more efficiently while reducing fuel and operating costs. Industry experts note that newer narrowbody aircraft are helping carriers open direct routes between secondary cities and Europe that were previously difficult to sustain economically.
Officials at Gatwick Airport described the Ottawa launch as an important addition to the airport’s North American network. Meanwhile, Air Transat said the route supports its broader strategy to strengthen transatlantic leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel.
The expansion comes as Canadian airlines continue to prioritize profitable European services despite ongoing fuel-cost pressures and operational challenges affecting some North American and Caribbean routes.
Air Transat’s latest expansion forms part of the airline’s Caribbean network growth strategy, following the addition of new sun destinations including Barbados, Aruba, and Los Cabos from Montreal.
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