WestJet Expands Winter Network with 5 New Sun Routes for 2026-27
July 21, 2026 Team Contributor
WestJet is expanding its winter schedule for 2026/27 with five new international services across Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, responding to sustained demand for sun-bound leisure travel from Canada. The expansion strengthens the airline’s network of WestJet winter routes while giving travellers more direct access to popular warm-weather destinations during the peak vacation season.
Airline Adds More Direct Flights
WestJet’s latest network expansion includes its first-ever nonstop service between Calgary and Mérida, Mexico. The airline is also adding new routes from Winnipeg, Regina and Ottawa to several of the most popular winter getaway destinations across the US.
As part of a broader strategy to increase WestJet flights to leisure markets, the expansion reinforces its position as a leading airline serving sun destinations.
John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “These additions support the growing demand for options in Mexico and the Latin Caribbean, while sustainably expanding our schedule and managing our fleet during the peak winter travel season.”
“We are excited to offer more ways for guests to trade their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them, and we look forward to the travel stories that will take off from these exciting new options.”
New Winter Route Schedule
| Route | Frequency | Start Date |
| Calgary – Mérida | Weekly | Dec. 17, 2026 |
| Winnipeg – Punta Cana | Weekly | Nov. 28, 2026 |
| Winnipeg – Belize City | Weekly | Dec. 14, 2026 |
| Regina – San José del Cabo | Weekly | Dec. 14, 2026 |
| Ottawa – Liberia | Weekly | Dec. 20, 2026 |
Highlights of WestJet New Routes
- New Calgary-Mérida service will provide the only nonstop connection between Western Canada and the Yucatán capital.
- Winnipeg gains direct Flights to Punta Cana and Belize City.
- Regina gains new nonstop service to San José del Cabo.
- Ottawa will receive a new direct link to Liberia, Costa Rica.
Sunwing Broadens Vacation Package Options
Beyond the airline network expansion, Sunwing Vacations has unveiled additional winter holiday options, supporting the wider growth plans of the WestJet Group. The tour operator is bringing back vacation packages to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Roatán, Honduras, while also introducing vacation packages on the new Ottawa-Liberia route for the first time. The winter vacation program runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.
What This Means for Travellers
- More nonstop winter escapes from Canada.
- Easier access to popular sun destinations.
- Fewer connections on leisure travel routes.
- New direct flights to Mérida, Mexico.
- Expanded vacation package booking options.
- Greater choice for winter getaway planning.
The expansion strengthens WestJet’s winter leisure network while broadening travel options for people seeking sun destinations. During the peak winter season, the airline plans to serve 50 sun destinations from 15 Canadian cities, the most of any airline in Canada.
WestJet continues to strengthen its winter travel offering with the launch of five new routes. Travellers planning their seasonal getaways may also benefit from the airline’s recently launched early-booking incentives for cold-weather escapes.
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