Air Canada announced on September 23, 2025, that its non-stop flights between Ottawa and London Heathrow will continue through the Winter 2025-26 season, ensuring year-round service on the key transatlantic route.
The flights, which operate three times weekly, are available for booking now on Air Canada’s website, through contact centres, and via travel agents.
The extension secures a direct international link between Canada’s capital and the United Kingdom’s largest airport, a hub widely recognized as a premier gateway to Europe and beyond. The schedule will operate from November 2, 2025, through March 27, 2026, before expanding to four weekly flights in the summer season beginning March 28, 2026.
Air Canada described the move as part of its broader strategy to reinforce Ottawa’s role within its national and global network. The airline emphasized that maintaining the route year-round benefits both leisure and corporate travellers in the National Capital Region by providing access to one of the world’s busiest airports.
“Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country’s capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long. Customers travelling for business, corporate and leisure from the National Capital Region and abroad will enjoy the ease and convenience of international travel options to and from Ottawa. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard our London flights this winter and beyond,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, at Air Canada.
The Ottawa International Airport Authority welcomed the announcement, citing its importance for the local economy and international positioning. “In today’s global landscape, strong connections between Canada’s Capital Region and strategic markets like the United Kingdom are more vital than ever. Air Canada’s decision to extend its YOW-LHR service through the winter is great news – it reflects the airline’s confidence in our region, its deep commitment to Ottawa–Gatineau, and its role as a leading international carrier,” said Susan Margles, President and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
The Government of Canada also endorsed the move, highlighting its significance for trade and investment. “Air Canada’s expanded network is more than new destinations — it’s about strengthening Canada’s connections to the world. Most Canadian air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, which means every new route also opens a new trade corridor for Canadian goods. The extension of the Ottawa–London service will give Canadian businesses faster and more reliable access to the UK and Europe, supporting our exporters, driving investment, and creating good jobs here at home. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground — and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy,” stated The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade.
Local leaders echoed these views, citing the year-round connection as a milestone for the capital. “I am delighted that service from Ottawa to London Heathrow will now be available year-round. I regularly hear from business leaders and residents that we need more direct links to Ottawa. The connection to London has been very successful and well-received. Expanding to year-round service will enhance Ottawa’s success as both a business and visitor destination. It strengthens our connection to the world, supports economic growth, and makes our city even more accessible as a place to visit, live, and invest in,” said Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa.
Tourism officials also noted the role of the service in attracting visitors. “With the strength tourism has shown throughout the summer months helping to set the foundation going into the colder season, Air Canada’s extension of the Heathrow to Ottawa route for the winter is a tangible signal of confidence in Ottawa as a year-round destination,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This continued service ensures vital connectivity with our top overseas market. We appreciate Air Canada’s commitment and confidence, and we remain focused on supporting this route through proactive marketing and by offering an appealing destination for all visitors.”
Flight Schedule and Broader Network
The Ottawa–London Heathrow service will operate three weekly flights during the winter season:
- AC 888 departs Ottawa (YOW) at 21:55 and arrives in London Heathrow (LHR) at 09:20 the next day on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- AC 889 departs London Heathrow (LHR) at 12:00 and arrives in Ottawa (YOW) at 14:30 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Beginning March 28, 2026, the frequency will increase to four weekly flights for the summer schedule. The route will complement more than 450 weekly flights Air Canada operates to and from Ottawa across regional, domestic, international, and transborder destinations during the winter season.
By securing the Ottawa–London link for year-round service, Air Canada strengthens both the city’s position as an international gateway and Canada’s broader connectivity to Europe. The decision reflects confidence in sustained demand from the National Capital Region and positions Ottawa as a more accessible hub for business, tourism, and trade in the years ahead.
