
Porter Airlines Expands Winter Service From Ottawa With Five New Sun Destinations
Porter Airlines is expanding its winter schedule from Ottawa International Airport (YOW), offering travellers from Canada’s National Capital Region direct access to five popular southern destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. This expansion highlights Porter’s commitment to connecting Ottawa to high-demand leisure markets, providing residents with more options for sun, surf, and cultural experiences during the winter months.
Beginning this week, Porter will operate non-stop flights from Ottawa to the following destinations: Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Nassau (NAS), Cancun (CUN), Liberia (LIR), and Grand Cayman (GCM). With these additions, Porter becomes the only airline offering direct service from Ottawa to both Grand Cayman and Liberia, giving Canadian travellers exclusive access to these sought-after locations.
Porter’s Commitment to Ottawa
“This launch represents a significant milestone in Porter’s growth and a continued demonstration of our dedication to Ottawa-Gatineau,” said Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines. “This winter, Porter will operate more flights from Ottawa than any other airline, serving 24 non-stop routes. Our goal is to provide local travellers with the most convenient, comfortable, and stylish travel experience available.”
Porter’s winter schedule is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering premium service on a fleet of 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The aircraft feature a two-by-two seating configuration, ensuring no middle seats, along with complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, premium Canadian snacks, and free high-speed WiFi for all passengers. This elevated onboard experience underscores Porter’s reputation for combining convenience with a higher standard of service.
Winter Route Schedule
Porter’s new destinations from Ottawa will commence service as follows:
| Destination | Start Date | Peak Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau (NAS) | Dec. 13 | 1x weekly |
| Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | Dec. 13 | 6x weekly |
| Cancun (CUN) | Dec. 17 | 6x weekly |
| Liberia (LIR) | Dec. 17 | Daily |
| Grand Cayman (GCM) | Dec. 19 | 2x weekly |
Celebrating the Launch
Porter Airlines’ announcement was marked by a celebratory event at YOW, attended by airport officials, local leaders, and diplomatic representatives from the destinations being served. The event underscored the importance of new air connections to local tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, praised Porter’s investment:
These new direct flights to and from Ottawa are great news for residents and our local economy. Thank you to Porter Airlines for continuing to invest in Ottawa. Let’s keep working together to create more air connections to international destinations.
Susan Margles, President and CEO of Ottawa Airport Authority, added:
We’re thrilled to see Porter Airlines add five new sunshine destinations from YOW, offering a welcome burst of warmth for travellers across our region. These new routes bring even more choice and convenience, whether people are chasing the sun, the surf, or exploring new cultures.
Destination Highlights
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Porter’s new connection to Puerto Vallarta opens a direct gateway to the Mexican Pacific Coast. Omar Torres Grajeda, Director of Puerto Vallarta Airport, commented:
With this new connection, travellers now have a direct alternative to experience the beauty of Puerto Vallarta. We are proud that Porter Airlines places its trust in our airport infrastructure, which continues to grow in response to strong tourism demand.
Liberia, Costa Rica
Porter’s daily service to Liberia strengthens ties between Canada and Costa Rica. William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism for Costa Rica, noted:
Every new route opens doors for travellers to discover our nature, culture, and sustainability model. Porter’s confidence in choosing Costa Rica as a key international destination reinforces Guanacaste as a competitive gateway for Canadian visitors.
Nassau, Bahamas
The airline’s route to Nassau expands access to the Bahamian capital and Paradise Island. Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), stated:

This new service provides convenient options for travellers from Canada and supports our ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism market between Ottawa and the Bahamas.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman’s new link with Ottawa reflects growing interest from Canadian tourists. Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier & Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands, said:
With record-breaking arrivals from Canada, we’re delighted to welcome even more Canadians as Porter connects Ottawa to Grand Cayman. This milestone makes it easier for Canadians across the country to experience our islands.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun continues to be a high-demand sun destination, offering world-class beaches, resorts, and cultural experiences. Porter’s flights provide a convenient, non-stop alternative for Ottawa travellers seeking a winter getaway.
Enhanced Travel Experience
Airlines emphasizes a premium onboard experience that differentiates it from other carriers. Passengers on the Embraer E195-E2 benefit from spacious seating with no middle seats, complimentary beverages and snacks, and uninterrupted WiFi service. These amenities ensure that even short-haul flights feel comfortable and connected, whether for business or leisure purposes.
The airline’s winter schedule also prioritizes frequency and convenience, with multiple weekly flights to top destinations, including daily service to Liberia and six flights per week to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. The schedule reflects Porter’s commitment to providing consistent, reliable, and appealing travel options from Ottawa.
Economic and Cultural Impact
New air connections from Ottawa are expected to have a positive impact on local economies, supporting tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange. By providing Canadians with direct access to these international destinations, is helping strengthen Ottawa’s role as a regional hub for air travel.
Local and international officials highlighted the broader benefits of the new routes, including enhanced economic ties, increased tourism revenues, and the promotion of cultural exchange. The collaboration between Porter and destination airports reinforces mutual growth and showcases the value of strategic air connectivity.
Airlines’ winter schedule from Ottawa represents part of a long-term growth strategy, with plans to expand service further in 2026 and beyond. With additional routes to Florida and Phoenix, as well as potential new international destinations, Porter continues to focus on connecting Canadians to sun-soaked leisure markets while maintaining high service standards.
The airline’s commitment to Ottawa reflects both customer demand and strategic investment. By providing non-stop service to multiple high-demand destinations, ensures that travellers have convenient, direct options that save time and enhance the overall travel experience.
Porter Airlines’ introduction of five new non-stop winter destinations from Ottawa marks a significant expansion for the carrier and the city’s air travel network. By combining convenience, elevated onboard service, and strategic route planning, Porter is providing Canadian travellers with unparalleled access to sun destinations across Mexico, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands.
From daily service to Liberia to exclusive non-stop flights to Grand Cayman, Ottawa residents now enjoy a broader selection of direct travel options, helping the region solidify its position as a growing international travel hub. Porter’s continued investment in Ottawa reflects the airline’s long-term commitment to the National Capital Region, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can experience the sun, surf, and culture of these premier destinations.
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