Airlines
WestJet giving Canadians what they want with launch of new Havana flights
Havana tourism officials have rolled out the red carpet for WestJet and its first passengers able to fly directly to the Cuban capital. The airline began Toronto-Havana service Thursday (Dec. 18) -- a welcome development for Cuban tourism authorities who have long been encouraging Canadians to visit a city known for its colonial architecture and lively cultural scene. A Cuban delegation shook hands with deplaning passengers upon arrival in Havana and those same passengers were greeted with free food and drinks, and musicians in the airport terminal, which was draped with Cuban and...
Air Transat adds non-stop from Toronto to Tirana, opening up the Balkans
Air Transat has announced the launch of a new non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana, Albania. This route, part of the many additions to the carrier’s Summer 2026 program, will be operated once weekly starting June 18, using an Airbus A330. Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer, said that: “Albania is fast becoming a standout destination on the European travel map, and we are proud to be the first airline to serve it directly from North America.” And Ponce continued: “With nine new routes, the annualization of several services and increased frequencies on...
Air Transat now connects Toronto with Istanbul and Georgetown
Air Transat launched service to both Istanbul, Türkiye (IST) and Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) this week from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), further strengthening its network from this key hub. Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer, said that: “Introducing Istanbul and Georgetown from Toronto is a strategic step in diversifying our offer while serving travellers flying to visit friends and family.” Ponce continued: “Istanbul unlocks a world of onward possibilities through our partnership with Turkish Airlines, and Georgetown strengthens ties with...
Arajet announces baggage and service policy changes
Dominican flag carrier Arajet has announced changes to its baggage and service policies by introducing its new package portfolio: Basic, Classic, Comfort, and Extra. The airline also announced that from now on it will not charge for check-in at the counter, has reduced the prices for registering baggage and additional luggage, set fixed rates, and will allow more weight. Víctor Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet, explained that these changes are driven by the airline’s commitment to ensuring passengers “get the best value for their money. We redesigned our packages to simplify...
Air Transat takes off with new Montreal-Guadalajara, Quebec City-Fort-de-France flights
Air Transat launched its first-ever non-stop flight between YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) on Dec. 13. The new service that runs twice weekly -- Thursdays and Saturdays – is now offered until June 27, 2026. This is Air Transat’s sixth Mexican destination, reinforcing its status as Montreal’s top carrier to the South. Additionally, on Dec. 14, Air Transat operated its first non-stop flight between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). This...
Porter takes off from Ottawa with five sun routes
Porter Airlines is taking off from Ottawa with the launch of its winter schedule featuring five southern destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. The carrier already launched weekly flights from Ottawa to Nassau on Dec. 13 and six time weekly flights to Puerto Vallarta also on Dec. 13. On Dec. 17, Porter will take off from Ottawa to Cancun with 6 flights weekly and to Liberia, Costa Rica daily service. It will add twice weekly service to Grand Cayman on Dec. 19. Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines, said that: “The launch of these routes is a celebration of...
Feel the warmth as Air Canada shows its appreciation to its partners
It was a ‘feel good’ evening in Toronto late last week (Dec. 11) as Air Canada welcomed it about 140 of its top industry partners and customers at the Sheraton Centre Toronto for the airline’s annual Customer Appreciation Event. Toronto was the wrap-up for a trio of appreciation events which included stops in Vancouver and Montreal. But along with showing its appreciation to its partners, Air Canada also showed its appreciation for the efforts of its Vice President Global Sales and Air Canada Vacations, Lisa Pierce who is retiring on Dec. 31 of this year. As Vincent...
IATA wants blocked airline funds released
IATA is reporting that USD 1.2 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of the end of October 2025. A marginal improvement of USD 100 million has been made since last reported in April 2025. Out of total blocked funds reported, 93% are trapped in Africa and Middle East (AME). IATA called on governments to lift all restrictions on currency repatriation and allow airlines to access their revenues in U.S. dollars from ticket sales, cargo sales and other activities, as guaranteed in bilateral air service agreements and treaty obligations. Restrictions...