westjet launched its first direct flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cardiff Airport, landing the inaugural service on the day of the event. The new transatlantic route restores a direct Canada connection to Cardiff after nearly 20 years.
The service will operate four departures per week aboard Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Toronto Pearson links to over 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, giving Cardiff passengers a wider set of onward options through a single connection point.
Cardiff Airport launch event
Adam Price MS attended the inaugural event at Cardiff Airport, alongside Lis Burnett, Morfudd Meredith and Sophia Arvanitis. Jon Bridge said the arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America, and that it strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.
Bridge added: “Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales.” He also said, “We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”
WestJet route details
WestJet’s route gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America, while opening a direct link that had been absent from Cardiff for nearly 20 years. Chris White-DeVries said the launch is “an exciting milestone both for WestJet and the communities the route serves.”
He also said the new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover South Wales and Canada while staying connected to friends, family and business opportunities, and that Cardiff plays an important role in the airline’s growing transatlantic network.
Toronto Pearson and Cardiff
Passengers on the inaugural flight received a water cannon salute on arrival in Cardiff. Criw Canu greeted the WestJet crew, operational senior leadership teams and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps, and passengers and guests were treated to cupcakes at the boarding gate before departure.
For travelers in Wales, South West England and the Midlands, the practical change is simple: four weekly flights now link Cardiff with Toronto, where connections reach more than 100 destinations across North America.
