WestJet Toronto-Cardiff service restores Canada-Wales link after nearly 20 years

WestJet has launched its first direct route between Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Cardiff (CWL), entering the Welsh market for the first time and re-establishing a non-stop air connection between Canada and Wales after almost 20 years.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, departed Toronto on Friday (May 22) and landed in Cardiff the next morning.

The service will run four times per week during the busy summer travel season.

Open for business 

The route represents a significant development for both WestJet and Cardiff Airport.

While Cardiff is the UK’s 19th-largest airport by passenger numbers, it has traditionally had limited long-haul service compared with larger airports across Britain.

For WestJet, the addition supports its expanding transatlantic strategy using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, enabling the airline to connect smaller, underserved markets while keeping operating costs lower and matching seasonal travel demand more effectively.

To celebrate the occasion, passengers on board the inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson to Cardiff were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while local Penarth choir, Criw Canu welcomed the WestJet crew, operational senior leadership teams and customers with a rendition of Welsh songs at the aircraft steps, reads a press release.

Passengers and guests were also treated to cupcakes at the boarding gate ahead of the first departure.

Guests attending the inaugural event included Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS; Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, and Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, alongside dignitaries from Canada including Ontario’s Agent-General in London, Sophia Arvanitis and industry partners such as Visit Wales.

“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’s senior manager hub strategy and airport affairs, in a statement.

“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. 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.”

Adam Price MS, Wales’ Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, called the inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto “a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.”

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK,” he stated.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Closing an 18-year gap

The schedule for WestJet’s Toronto- Cardiff route is as follows:

• Toronto (YYZ) to Cardiff (CWL) departs 22:10 (Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat)
• Cardiff (CWL) to Toronto (YYZ) departs 11:35 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Sat)

The launch marks the return of non-stop flights between Cardiff and Canada after an 18-year gap.

As Simple Flying pointed out, Cardiff Airport last offered direct Canadian routes in 2008, when Zoom Airlines flew to Toronto and to Vancouver via Belfast.

Earlier, Air Transat operated Toronto services until 2004.

Since those routes ended, most travellers in Wales have relied on airports in London, Bristol, or Manchester for transatlantic travel.

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