Air Transat Launches First-Ever London Gatwick–Ottawa Flights

London Gatwick has welcomed its first-ever direct flights to Ottawa, with Air Transat launching the inaugural service on May 15 — opening a new nonstop link between the UK and Canada's capital for the first time.

The seasonal route operates three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, running until October 23, 2026. Flights depart London Gatwick at 09:40, arriving in Ottawa at 12:40 local time. The return leaves Ottawa at 19:40, landing back at Gatwick at 07:55 the following morning. Flight time is approximately seven hours and 15 minutes.

For UK travellers, Ottawa offers a mix of history, culture, and easy access to Canada's outdoors. The route also serves as a practical gateway for Canadian passengers connecting onward into Gatwick's wider short- and long-haul network of nearly 230 destinations this summer, including 56 long-haul services.

A notable added benefit is Air Transat's partnership with Porter Airlines, which gives passengers seamless onward connections from Ottawa to destinations across Canada and select US cities — all through what both airlines describe as a straightforward and easy-to-navigate airport experience.

Air Transat Chief Revenue Officer Sebastian Ponce framed the launch as part of the airline's long-term commitment to the UK-Canada market, offering travellers more choice and greater flexibility. London Gatwick's Head of Aviation Development Jonny Macneal called Canada an important market for the airport and welcomed the route as a boost for passengers on both sides of the Atlantic.