Passengers wait and prepare to travel with Porter Airlines at Ottawa’s airport on December 12, 2025. CTV
Porter Airlines will begin its winter service from Ottawa airport this week. The launch brings more direct flights to warm destinations. Travellers can soon fly non-stop to five popular southern locations. These include Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, Cancun, Liberia, and Grand Cayman. All routes will start within the next seven days.
More direct options for southern travel
The airline plans several weekly flights to each destination. At peak service, Nassau will receive one flight per week. Puerto Vallarta will see up to six flights weekly starting Saturday. Cancun will also have six weekly flights beginning Wednesday. Liberia will offer daily service starting the same day. Grand Cayman will receive two flights each week starting next Friday.
City leaders welcome airline growth
Ottawa’s mayor praised the expansion. He said the new routes show strong confidence in the city. “These announcements today speak volumes about Porter’s belief in Ottawa and our future and their commitment to growing with us as a community,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. City officials see the move as a boost for local travel and tourism.
Airline highlights commitment to Ottawa
Porter’s leadership also welcomed the launch. The airline said Ottawa remains a key market. “The launch of these routes is a celebration of our growth to new regions and another demonstration of Porter’s commitment to Ottawa-Gatineau,” said Porter Airlines president Kevin Jackson. He added that the airline now offers more flights from Ottawa than any other carrier.
More routes than originally planned
Porter first announced the winter routes in June. The latest update includes higher flight frequencies than first expected. Flights to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Liberia, and Grand Cayman will operate more often than planned. The airline said demand encouraged the increase.
Travellers welcome added convenience
Local travellers expressed excitement about the new options. Moranne St-Marie plans to travel to Cancun with her family. She said direct flights matter for parents with young children. “As a young family, we’re constantly looking for direct flights from Ottawa to Cancun or other destinations,” she said. She noted late-night returns often cause stress. She said more choices will help families travel easier.
Changing travel patterns across Canada
The new flights arrive as travel habits shift. Recent data shows more Canadians travelling overall. However, trips to the United States dropped sharply. Travel south of the border declined by more than 21 per cent this year. Many Canadians now look beyond the U.S. for vacations.
U.S. routes still part of network
Despite the trend, Porter continues serving American destinations. The airline offers flights to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa. New routes to Miami and Phoenix will begin in 2026. The airline said it remains committed to both markets.
Winter travel outlook remains strong
Porter expects strong demand through the winter season. The airline said Ottawa travellers want more direct choices. The new routes aim to meet that need. Officials see the launch as a positive sign for the airport. More flights may follow if demand continues.
