WestJet expands transatlantic and domestic network with direct flights to Portugal and Spain from Atlantic Canada

Source: WestJet

• WestJet increases presence in Nova Scotia with four new summer routes from Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Destinations such as Lisbon and Madrid are part of this expansion

WestJet announced a major expansion of its leisure travel network, reinforcing Halifax’s role as a critical transatlantic bridge and a dynamic gateway for both domestic and international travel. The airline’s latest news introduces three new transatlantic destinations including Lisbon, Portugal (LIS), Madrid, Spain (MAD) and Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH), growing WestJet’s total transatlantic network from Halifax to nine connections and further enhancing connectivity for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic. New service between Detroit, Michigan (DTW) and Halifax (YHZ) marks expanded transborder service planned for Summer 2026.

“WestJet is proud to invest in Halifax and to help open Europe to Canadians, and Canada to the world. With shorter flight times, competitive fares and direct access to Europe’s cultural heartlands, Halifax is uniquely positioned to serve as Canada’s Atlantic gateway,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer.

“The new direct flight to Madrid represents an important opportunity for us, expanding access to the many regions and cities that Spain has to offer. This route connects Atlantic Canada with the capital of Spain for the very first time and opens a new window to discover diverse destinations across Spain. Connectivity with Canada is essential to strengthen Spain’s position as a leading tourist destination in the market,” said Isabel Martín Benítez, Consul for Tourism Affairs at the Embassy of Spain in Canada from Ottawa.

“Canada is an important market, and we welcome WestJet’s first operation to Portugal, as well as the first flight from Halifax to Lisbon. The route is well aligned with our strategy to expand connectivity and drive tourism growth, having tourists throughout the territory, all year round,” said Carlos Abade, Turismo de Portugal President.

Halifax key to WestJet’s overall strategic growth

This expansion aligns with WestJet’s commitment to balanced and sustainable growth, focusing on markets where it can make a meaningful impact. Halifax’s strategic location, strong community ties and award-winning infrastructure make it the ideal launch point for this next chapter.

*Subject to government approval

“WestJet’s continued growth at Halifax Stanfield is great news for our region. These four new non-stop services will complement WestJet’s six existing European destinations from Halifax Stanfield, reinforcing our status as North America’s most internationally connected airport of our size and a key Canadian gateway. Each new route strengthens our global reach, offers travellers more choice, and fuels economic opportunity here at home,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority.

WestJet’s expansion to Detroit builds on its successful partnership with Delta Air Lines, further enhancing its ability to deliver exceptional travel experiences, with onward connections to Delta’s U.S. network. With the introduction of service between Halifax and Detroit, WestJet will be connecting guests to a Delta global hub, for the first time.

In addition to the three new European connections announced, WestJet will resume summer seasonal flying on all existing transatlantic routes from Halifax including service to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Gatwick and Paris. The airline will announce its remaining schedule for the Summer 2026 season, including additional domestic routes and frequency increases, in early 2026. For more information regarding the routes announced today, visit WestJet.com.