Key Takeaways
- Air Canada resumes Ottawa-London Heathrow non-stop flights on March 31, 2025, with four weekly departures.
- The service offers convenient connections to over 30 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.
- Ottawa officials celebrate the route’s economic and tourism boost, highlighting its strategic importance.
Air Canada has announced the resumption of non-stop international flights between Ottawa and London Heathrow, set to begin on March 31, 2025. The service will operate four times weekly, offering the only direct connection from Canada’s capital to Europe.
The seasonal route will run until October 25, 2025, with flights departing Ottawa on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Air Canada will utilize its Dreamliner fleet for these flights, providing passengers with a choice of three cabin classes.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, emphasized the strategic importance of this route. “London is a top global destination, and Heathrow is one of the world’s primary global gateways,” he said. Galardo also highlighted the convenient connections available at Heathrow to over 30 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa through Air Canada’s airline partners.
The resumption of this service is part of Air Canada’s broader expansion in Ottawa. The airline plans to operate up to 229 weekly flights to and from the city next year, covering regional, domestic, international, and transborder routes.
Ottawa officials have welcomed the news. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe stated, “The restored flight will boost our local economy, increase tourism, and connect two world capitals.” Mark Laroche, President and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority, added that the route “elevates Ottawa-Gatineau on the global stage.”
Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, noted the importance of the UK market, saying, “This will make it even easier for visitors from the UK – Ottawa’s top overseas market – and other key destinations to travel to Canada’s capital.”
Air Canada has also designated Ottawa as a test location for new customer service initiatives aimed at improving the travel experience.
Looking ahead, Air Canada is considering the potential for increased frequency and year-round service on this route with the future delivery of its Airbus A321XLR fleet, expected to begin arriving in late 2025.
Seats for the Ottawa-London Heathrow flights are now available for purchase through Air Canada’s website, mobile app, travel agents, and contact centres.
