Canadian carrier WestJet has confirmed it is launching flights from Toronto to Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) and Glasgow Airport (GLA/EGPF) for summer 2026.
As previously reported, the route will be flown by a Boeing 737 Max 8, operating four times per week to Cardiff on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing Toronto at 22:10 local time and arriving in Cardiff at 10:15 the next day.
Return flights leave Cardiff on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Cardiff at 11:35.
Glasgow also operates four times per week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fridays and Sundays, leaving Toronto at 22:05 local time and arriving at Glasgow at 09:25 the next day.
Return flights from Glasgow leave at 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Glasgow flights commence on the 15th of May 2026, and Cardiff flights start on the 22nd of May 2026.
“Leveraging the extended range capability of our growing share of Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, WestJet is pleased to deliver a suite of new global destinations that are uniquely suited to our leisure strategy in Eastern Canada. The MAX can connect Eastern Canada to rich cultural destinations that guests want to travel to, and we are proud to be the airline that takes them there,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Chief Executive Officer.
He added: “Toronto Pearson International Airport serves as a natural connector for international travel, and we look forward to the two-way travel opportunities that will come from one of WestJet’s biggest investments in the region.”
Speaking about the announcement, Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re incredibly proud that WestJet has chosen Cardiff Airport as a new UK destination for summer 2026.
“This new Toronto route marks an exciting milestone in our growth and a major step forward in reconnecting Wales with North America. It will strengthen tourism, create new trade and investment opportunities, and showcase Wales on the global stage.
“WestJet’s confidence in Cardiff reflects the growing demand for international travel from Wales, the South West of England, and the Midlands and we look forward to building a long-term partnership that delivers lasting benefits for both nations.”
Kurush Minocher, Interim Chief Commercial Officer, Toronto Pearson, commented: “We’re thrilled to see WestJet expanding its international network from Toronto Pearson, including its first non-stop service to South America and the launch of North America’s only direct flight to Wales. These new routes further strengthen Pearson’s role as Canada’s global gateway, providing travellers with more options to connect to destinations across the United Kingdom, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.”
The new routes will be a welcome boost to inbound tourism to the UK, giving Canadians a chance to fly to Scotland and Wales without having to enter the UK via London. Both UK regions also have strong ties to Canada, with 35 Canadian companies in Wales alone.
In addition to the UK destinations, WestJet also added Ponta Delgada and Medellin to its schedule from Toronto, and to Madrid, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and Detroit from Halifax.
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