WestJet announced five new weekly routes launching for the winter 2026/2027 season, expanding its network of sun destinations from Canada to Mexico, Belize, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. The airline will begin service between Calgary (YYC) and Mérida, Mexico (MID) on December 17, 2026; Winnipeg (YWG) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) on November 28, 2026; Winnipeg to Belize City, Belize (BZE) on December 14, 2026; Regina (YQR) to San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on December 14, 2026; and Ottawa (YOW) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) on December 20, 2026.
Statements from WestJet and Airport Authorities
John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial
Officer, said the additions meet growing demand for travel to Mexico and the Latin Caribbean while allowing sustainable growth of the airline’s winter schedule and effective fleet management. He said, “We are excited to offer more ways for guests to trade their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them.” Calgary International Airport expressed pride in serving as WestJet’s global hub and gateway for the new Mérida route. The Winnipeg Airports Authority welcomed added flights enhancing travel options for Manitobans.
Regina International Airport highlighted that weekly direct service to San José del Cabo will provide convenient
sun travel during Saskatchewan winters. ASUR, the operator of Mérida Airport, expressed confidence in the success of the new Calgary–Mérida connection. Los Cabos International Airport praised WestJet’s continued commitment through the Regina route. Guanacaste Airport noted a 28% increase in Canadian passengers in early 2026 and recognized WestJet as the Canadian airline offering the most direct routes to that region in Costa Rica.
Tourism Belize emphasized the new Winnipeg–Belize City service as a boost to connectivity, complementing existing WestJet routes. Costa Rican representatives welcomed the Ottawa–Liberia link as strengthening tourism partnerships and growth. Yucatán authorities expressed hope that the Calgary–Mérida
service would increase winter tourist arrivals and benefit the local industry.
Sunwing Vacations Expands Winter 2026/2027 Package Options
Sunwing Vacations, part of the WestJet Group, announced three new vacation packages for the winter 2026/2027 season, including a new Ottawa to Liberia offering. Returning winter vacation packages will be available for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Roatán, Honduras. The Sunwing winter schedule covers November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, and is available for purchase via Sunwing.ca. This expansion complements WestJet’s route additions by providing Canadian travelers with more options for sun destination vacations.
WestJet Group Growth and Network Expansion
Since its founding in 1996, WestJet has grown from a small airline with three
aircraft and just over 200 employees into a major Canadian carrier. The airline will mark its 30th anniversary in 2026. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, the WestJet Group employs more than 14,000 staff members and operates nearly 200 aircraft. The Group connects travelers to over 100 destinations across the Americas, Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Winter Sun Travel Network and Strategic Context
WestJet will operate 50 sun destination routes from 15 Canadian cities during the peak winter season of November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027. The new routes announced strengthen WestJet’s position as Canada’s leading leisure airline and tour operator specializing in flights to Mexico and
the Latin Caribbean. The airline holds the status as the top Canadian carrier to Mexico by flight frequency and will maintain the leading position in Belize and Liberia for the winter. These expansions support the airline’s strategy of sustainable schedule growth and fleet management during the high-demand winter travel period.
