WestJet has launched its first nonstop service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Cardiff International Airport, restoring a direct air link between Canada and Wales for the first time in 18 years.
The inaugural Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight departed Toronto on May 22, 2026, and arrived in Cardiff the following morning.
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Passengers were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute and a performance by a local choir.
The transatlantic service will operate four times per week during the peak summer season, using WestJet's narrowbody Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
The route connects South Wales, the South West of England, and the Midlands to North America.
Cardiff Airport, the United Kingdom's 19th-busiest airport by passenger traffic, has historically lacked sustainable long-haul operations since Air Transat and Zoom Airlines ended their Canadian services in 2004 and 2008, respectively.
The flight schedule includes departures from Toronto to Cardiff at 22:10 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Flights from Cardiff to Toronto depart at 11:35 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Economic and Connectivity Impact
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price MS joined local officials and Canadian dignitaries at the inaugural event to mark the return of the international connection.
"WestJet's inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business," said Adam Price MS.
The Welsh government views the restored transatlantic route as a critical asset for regional economic infrastructure, aimed at expanding market reach and attracting international corporate investments.
"Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow," Price added.
"It reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK."
Price noted that Cardiff Airport remains a vital component of the country's economic strategy moving forward.
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"Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today's milestone is something to celebrate," he said.
Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, emphasized that the agreement solidifies the facility's position as an international gateway capable of offering onward transit to over 100 North American destinations through the Toronto hub.
"Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales.
The arrival of WestJet's direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America," Bridge said.
"It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport's position as the international gateway for Wales."
Airport management expressed optimism regarding the commercial durability of the partnership, which relies on the fuel efficiency of narrowbody aircraft to sustain lower operating costs in secondary markets.
"We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership," Bridge added.
WestJet representatives indicated that the seasonal route serves as an important addition to the airline's expanding European network, which includes summer service to five UK cities from Canada.
"The launch of service between Cardiff and Toronto is an exciting milestone both for WestJet and the communities the route serves," said Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs.
The carrier aims to capitalize on consistent leisure demand and regional business travel ties between the two destinations throughout the summer peak.
"WestJet's new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities," White-DeVries said.
The airline continues to deploy its MAX fleet to anchor its growth strategy across Eastern Canada and regional European destinations.
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"Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada," White-DeVries concluded.
