WestJet announced the launch of five new weekly flight routes for the winter 2026/2027 season, enhancing direct connectivity between Canadian cities and sun destinations in Mexico, Belize, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. The new services begin in late November and December 2026.
Details of New Routes and Schedules
The new weekly route linking Calgary’s YYC International Airport to Mérida, Mexico (MID) will commence on December 17, 2026, marking WestJet’s first non-stop service to Mérida. This will be the only direct flight between Mérida and Western Canada. Additional weekly routes for winter 2026/2027 include Winnipeg (YWG) to Belize City, Belize (BZE) starting December 14; Winnipeg to
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) from November 28; Regina (YQR) to San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) launching December 14; and Ottawa (YOW) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), beginning December 20.
WestJet’s Market Position and Fleet
WestJet operates nearly 200 aircraft and serves 50 sun destinations from 15 Canadian cities during peak winter travel, more than any other Canadian airline. Following the 2025 integration of Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group employs over 14,000 staff and connects to over 100 destinations. WestJet continues to lead Canada’s leisure travel market for flights to Mexico, Belize, and Liberia.
Official Statements and Airport Reactions
John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said
the new routes reflect growing demand in Mexico and the Latin Caribbean and support sustainable schedule expansion during the peak winter season. He added, “We are excited to offer more ways for guests to trade their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them.”
Airport authorities also welcomed the expansion. Calgary’s YYC International Airport noted strong local demand for the Mérida service. Winnipeg Airports Authority expressed enthusiasm about increased winter flight options to warm destinations. Regina International Airport highlighted the convenience of the new San José del Cabo connection, while Guanacaste Airport cited a 28% rise
in Canadian passengers during the first half of 2026 compared to 2025, welcoming the Ottawa–Liberia service.
Passenger Impact and Vacation Packages
The new flight routes increase direct access for Canadian travelers from Western Canada, the Prairies, and Quebec to popular winter sun destinations. Sunwing Vacations, part of the WestJet Group, announced new winter vacation packages for Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Roatán (Honduras), and Ottawa to Liberia (Costa Rica), available from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, on Sunwing.ca. This expands the range of vacation choices linked to WestJet’s route growth.
Tourism Industry Support and Growth
Tourism bodies at destinations along these routes emphasized enhanced connectivity and economic benefits from
WestJet’s service additions. ASUR, the operator of Mérida Airport, expressed confidence in the Calgary–Mérida route’s success. Los Cabos International Airport acknowledged the importance of the new Regina connection. Belize highlighted the strengthening of air connectivity with Canada, their key international market. Costa Rican officials celebrated the new Ottawa-Liberia route as a boost to visitor numbers and tourism growth in the Guanacaste region.
WestJet’s Evolution and Winter Plans
Launched in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft on five routes, WestJet is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. The airline has transformed Canadian air travel by pioneering low-cost services and significantly increasing access to
sun destinations. For the winter 2026/2027 season, WestJet anticipates maintaining its leadership position as Canada’s foremost airline serving sun destinations, supported by its expanded fleet and integrated tour offerings through Sunwing.
