TL;DR:
- WestJet announced new Toronto routes from Cardiff (22 May 2026) and Glasgow (15 May 2026)
- Cardiff’s first transatlantic service since 2008, Glasgow’s first Canada route since 2022
- Four flights weekly on each route, operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Opens up Canada connections for Wales, Scotland, and surrounding regions without London transfers
- Bookings expected to open soon for Summer 2026 travel
On 18 November 2025, WestJet announced its Summer 2026 schedule, and tucked into the press release was something Welsh aviation watchers had almost given up hoping for: Cardiff to Toronto, starting 22 May 2026. Four times a week. Boeing 737 MAX 8. Nearly eight hours westbound, just over seven on the return.
It’s the first scheduled transatlantic service from Cardiff since Zoom Airlines collapsed back in 2008, taking with it the last regular Canada connection Wales had.
And Cardiff wasn’t alone in the announcement. WestJet is also returning to Glasgow on 15 May 2026, resuming a route the airline last operated in September 2022. Both cities are getting their Canada links back, and for travel agents in Scotland and Wales, this opens up booking opportunities that haven’t existed in years.
What’s Behind the New Routes
WestJet’s announcement wasn’t just about Cardiff and Glasgow. The airline unveiled 10 new international routes for Summer 2026, including its first-ever South American connection and expanded European service.
But the Toronto-Cardiff route stands out. At 3,434 miles, it’s WestJet’s longest narrow-body route ever, and the first scheduled nonstop link between Canada and Wales since 2008.
The Aircraft Makes It Possible
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech explained the airline’s thinking: “Leveraging the extended range capability of our growing share of Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, WestJet is pleased to deliver a suite of new global destinations that are uniquely suited to our leisure strategy in Eastern Canada.”
The 737 MAX 8 has a range of up to 3,550 nautical miles, which means it can handle an eight-hour transatlantic crossing with a full passenger load. WestJet now operates 56 Boeing 737-8s in its fleet, with over 100 Boeing 737-10s on order. That gives the airline flexibility to open routes like Cardiff and Glasgow without committing a large, expensive wide-body to the service.
What This Means for Travellers in the Regio
Cardiff Airport handles just over 1 million passengers per year. But WestJet isn’t only targeting Cardiff residents. The airport’s catchment area includes South Wales, the West Country, the South West, and parts of the Midlands, regions where direct Canada service has been missing for years.
John Leaman, finance director at Cardiff Airport, told The Independent that the route’s reach extends well beyond Wales: “For this sort of route, our catchment area will actually define us a little bit better. We can serve more of the population than if we just focus purely on short haul.”
For travellers in Bristol, Exeter, Gloucester, or even parts of Birmingham, Cardiff is now a viable option for Canada trips. No London transfers, no navigating major hub airports.
WestJet’s return to Glasgow is equally significant. The airline first launched service to Glasgow in 2015, making it the first UK airport WestJet ever served. The route operated successfully until September 2022. Now, with the 737 MAX fleet expansion, WestJet is bringing Glasgow back. The timing works well with Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
What’s Useful for Bookings
Here’s what’s helpful to know if you’re booking travel from Wales, Scotland, or the surrounding regions:
VFR Traffic (Visiting Friends and Relatives)
The UK has a significant Canadian diaspora, and Cardiff and Glasgow routes cater directly to families reconnecting across the Atlantic. This is steady, reliable demand driven by personal connections.
Multi-Destination North America Itineraries
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a hub for onward connections to Western Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton) and major US cities. If you’re building bespoke North America trips, Cardiff and Glasgow to Toronto are now legitimate starting points.
Adventure and Nature Travellers
Canada is known for wilderness, national parks, and outdoor adventure. Scottish and Welsh clients looking for Banff, Jasper, Niagara Falls, or Nova Scotia road trips can now depart from their regional airport.
Families and Solo Travellers
WestJet’s leisure-focused brand and competitive pricing make it accessible for families who want affordability without sacrificing quality. Solo travellers also appreciate the convenience of regional departures.
Aviation analyst Sean Moulton told The Independent: “Links between the UK and Canada have reduced over the last 10 years due to changing demographics, but 2025 is seeing a resurgence with Air Transat launching Gatwick to Ottawa, and WestJet launching Toronto from both Cardiff and Glasgow.”
Worth Having on Your Radar
Here’s what agents in Wales, Scotland, and surrounding regions might find useful:
Let Your Clients Know It’s Coming
Most people don’t know Cardiff or Glasgow have transatlantic service returning. Worth mentioning now so when bookings open, you’re the first call they make.
Highlight the Regional Airport Advantage
For clients in Wales and Scotland, Cardiff and Glasgow offer quick check-in, easy parking, and minimal queues. Worth mentioning when time and convenience matter.
Build Multi-Destination Itineraries
Don’t just focus on Toronto. Consider Toronto plus Niagara plus Montreal. Or Toronto as a gateway to the Rockies. Or Toronto with a connecting flight to Nova Scotia or Vancouver. The route is a starting point, not just a destination.
Keep an Eye on Fare Sales
WestJet will likely launch with promotional pricing to stimulate demand. Worth watching for those deals when they appear.
The Connection That’s Been Missing
For agents in Wales and Scotland, this is the first transatlantic connection your region has had in years.
The planes start flying 22 May 2026 (Cardiff) and 15 May 2026 (Glasgow). Bookings will open soon!
Agent Advantage Insight
Toronto opens up all of Canada and beyond through connections. When clients ask about Canada trips, Cardiff and Glasgow are now viable departure points for clients in Wales, Scotland, and the surrounding regions. No London transfer needed.
