Air Canada announced today it will offer Ottawa residents a welcome escape from winter’s grip with new non-stop flights to the Caribbean starting in December. The national carrier will launch direct service to two sun destinations – Nassau, Bahamas and Montego Bay, Jamaica – marking an expansion of Ottawa International Airport’s international flight options.
The twice-weekly flights will operate from December 21 through April, providing a convenient option for snowbirds and vacationers looking to trade snow for sand without connecting through Toronto or Montreal.
“These new routes represent Air Canada’s commitment to expanding our leisure travel options from the National Capital Region,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice-President of Revenue and Network Planning. “Ottawa travelers have been asking for more direct sun destinations, and we’re pleased to respond with these new services.”
Ottawa International Airport Authority CEO Mark Laroche welcomed the announcement, calling it “a positive sign of recovery” for the airport, which has been rebuilding capacity since the pandemic.
“Direct international connections are vital for our community,” Laroche said during this morning’s press conference. “These new Caribbean routes will not only benefit leisure travelers but also strengthen ties with these important regions.”
The flights will use Air Canada Rouge Airbus A321 aircraft, featuring both economy and premium Rouge cabin options. According to airline officials, the timing of flights has been designed to allow for convenient Saturday departures and returns, maximizing vacation time for travelers.
Ottawa tourism officials see the new routes as beneficial beyond just outbound travel. Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, noted that the routes could bring more international visitors to the capital during our winter festival season.
“Winter tourism is a growing sector for Ottawa,” Crockatt explained. “These new air connections work both ways, potentially bringing Caribbean visitors to experience Winterlude and our other seasonal attractions.”
For many Ottawa residents, the news couldn’t come at a better time. Local travel agencies report seeing strong advance bookings for winter travel, with Caribbean destinations topping many wish lists.
“After several challenging years, people are prioritizing travel experiences again,” said Eleanor Saindon, owner of Capital Travel Solutions. “Having direct flights makes these destinations more accessible and appealing.”
The move comes as Air Canada continues restructuring its network following pandemic disruptions. Industry analysts point to the airline’s strategy of building more point-to-point leisure routes from secondary markets like Ottawa as a response to changing travel patterns.
Ticket sales for the new routes begin next week, with introductory fares starting at $399 one-way, taxes included. The airline also indicated that vacation packages bundling flights with resort stays will be available through Air Canada Vacations.
Competition for sun destinations from Ottawa remains relatively limited, with Sunwing operating seasonal service to various Caribbean points and WestJet offering some winter flights to Florida and Mexico. These new Air Canada routes expand the options considerably for local travelers.
For those considering winter getaways, travel experts recommend booking early, as the limited twice-weekly frequency means seats could fill quickly, especially during peak holiday periods and March Break.
The new Caribbean connections represent a bright spot in what has been a challenging period for Ottawa’s airport, which has worked to rebuild service levels after pandemic-related reductions. Airport officials indicated passenger numbers have been steadily climbing, though still below 2019 levels.
While welcoming the new leisure routes, some business leaders continue to advocate for the return of more business-oriented international connections, particularly to major European and U.S. hubs.
With winter around the corner, these sunny new options might be just what Ottawa residents need to plan their escape from the capital’s notorious winter chill.
