Scotland Canada flights: Glasgow Airport announces new direct WestJet flights to Toronto for 2026

WestJet, one of Canada’s largest airlines, has announced it is returning to Glasgow Airport, with direct flights to Toronto set to begin in May.

The airline will operate four services a week to Toronto Pearson International, with the first flight taking off on May 15.

It is the first time the airline will have operated at Glasgow since 2022. Air Transat already operates a twice weekly winter service to Toronto out of Glasgow, which will increase to six times weekly in the summer.

In 2024, Canada was Scotland’s ninth largest international tourism market. Canadian visitors accounted for 3 per cent of all overseas visits to Scotland.

Last month, it was announced that Glasgow Airport had won back regular New York flights after a seven-year gap. The announcement was a major boost to the west coast airport after it had been left with a sole US route - Tui’s flights to Orlando in Florida - since 2019.

Matt Hazlewood, chief commercial officer at AGS Airports, which runs Glasgow, said he was “thrilled” to welcome WestJet back.

He said: “The airline’s decision to re-establish this route highlights its confidence in the Glasgow market and demonstrates the strong demand that clearly exists from both leisure and business passengers for transatlantic connectivity.

“It also underlines our commitment to delivering key routes and services for our passengers and with Glasgow playing host to the Commonwealth Games next year, the timing of this announcement couldn’t be better.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “This direct service to Toronto is more great news for Glasgow and for our standing as a global and connected city. Our links with Canada run deep, from the millions who claim Scots ancestry and their contribution to Glasgow’s tourism market to its continuing importance as a partner for trade and investment.

“Coming so soon after news of the resumption of direct flights between Glasgow and New York, we’ve a brilliant opportunity to raise this city’s profile across North America.”

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “This new direct route to Toronto reflects the growing confidence airlines and travellers have in our city. Glasgow’s reputation as an international destination for business, tourism and culture continues to strengthen and enhanced global connectivity helps to build on that momentum.

“WestJet’s decision underscores the appeal of our city and we are confident the new route will deliver significant economic benefits and create fresh opportunities for businesses and visitors alike.”

Glasgow Airport’s profits increased by 80 per cent last year, rising from nearly £41m to £73m. The airport’s passenger total climbed by nearly 10 per cent from 7.4m to 8.1m.