WestJet Adds Nonstop Flights to São Paulo, Medellín, Cardiff, Lisbon, and Madrid for 2026

WestJet has officially pulled back the curtain on its ambitious 2026 flight schedule, signaling a transformative era for the airline. This latest expansion is defined by a historic leap into South America, a robust strengthening of transatlantic routes, and a strategic focus on increasing domestic and transborder connectivity. By leveraging its modern fleet of Boeing 737-8 MAX and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the carrier is positioning itself as a primary gateway for Canadians traveling abroad.

A Historic Milestone: Nonstop Service to South America

The centerpiece of the announcement is WestJet’s inaugural foray into the South American market from Western Canada. On November 8, 2026, WestJet will launch a 3x weekly service from Calgary (YYC) to São Paulo, Brazil (GRU). This route is particularly significant as it represents the 100th destination served from the airline’s global hub in Calgary.

Further expanding its southern footprint, WestJet is turning its attention to Eastern Canada. Starting April 28, 2026, the airline will initiate a 4x weekly service from Toronto (YYZ) to Medellín, Colombia (MDE). This move highlights a clear strategy to provide diverse international options for travelers in Canada’s largest metropolitan areas.

Transatlantic Growth: Connecting Canada to Europe and Beyond

The Summer 2026 schedule sees a massive influx of capacity toward Europe and the North Atlantic. WestJet is introducing several brand-new destinations that cater to both leisure and business travelers:

• Wales and Scotland: For the first time, WestJet will connect Toronto (YYZ) to Cardiff, Wales (CWL) with a 4x weekly service beginning May 22, 2026. Additionally, popular demand brings back the Toronto (YYZ) to Glasgow, Scotland (GLA) route, resuming May 15, 2026, with four flights per week.
• The Azores and Portugal: Atlantic Canada becomes a major launchpad for European travel. Halifax (YHZ) will see a new 4x weekly service to Lisbon (LIS) starting May 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Toronto travelers gain access to the stunning Ponta Delgada, Azores (PDL) with a 4x weekly service launching June 12, 2026.
• Northern Europe and Scandinavia: WestJet is expanding its reach into Iceland and Denmark. Halifax will debut flights to Copenhagen (CPH) on May 28, 2026. Furthermore, Reykjavik (KEF) will see new 1x weeklyconnections from both Winnipeg (YWG) and Edmonton (YEG) starting in late June 2026.
• Spain: Strengthening its Mediterranean offerings, WestJet will launch a 4x weekly service from Halifax (YHZ) to Madrid (MAD) on May 15, 2026.

Strengthening the North American Network

While international growth takes the headlines, WestJet remains committed to its transborder and domestic foundations. Through its evolving partnership with Delta Air Lines, WestJet is enhancing regional hubs to provide seamless travel across the border.

A new daily 7x weekly service from Halifax (YHZ) to Detroit (DTW) is set to begin May 18, 2026, facilitating easier transit for passengers heading into the United States. Domestically, Winnipeg (YWG) will see a new 3x weekly link to London, ON (YXU) starting May 17, 2026.

In British Columbia, regional connectivity receives a boost via WestJet Encore, which will operate a 5x weekly servicebetween Vancouver (YVR) and Penticton (YYF) starting May 15, 2026. These routes ensure that smaller communities remain integrated into the airline’s broader global network.

Year-Round Sun and Vacation Packages

Understanding the Canadian appetite for “Sun Destinations,” WestJet is transitioning several seasonal routes into year-round operations. In collaboration with Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations, travelers can now book year-round packages from Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, and Winnipeg.

The focus of this year-round expansion includes high-demand tropical locales such as Cancun, Puerto Plata, and Samaná. By extending these schedules, WestJet provides consistent reliability for vacationers looking to escape the Canadian winter at any time of year.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The WestJet Newsroom has clarified that while these major international and transborder routes are locked in, the full scope of the Summer 2026 domestic schedule—including final frequency adjustments—will be released in early 2026.

With the addition of São Paulo, Medellín, and Cardiff, WestJet is no longer just a regional player; it is a burgeoning international contender. This 2026 expansion reflects a sophisticated balancing act between serving the core Canadian market and exploring high-growth international frontiers.