WestJet Expands Winter Sun Schedule with First-Ever...

Launching for the winter 2026/2027 season, WestJet will operate up to 1,252 weekly flights across 88 nonstop routes, featuring its first-ever direct connection from Calgary to São Paulo.

WestJet Launches Calgary–São Paulo Service and Expands Winter Flights

WestJet has announced its largest-ever Latin American and Caribbean winter schedule for the 2026/2027 season, operating up to 1,252 weekly flights across 88 nonstop routes. The expansion includes the launch of a new direct service between Calgary and São Paulo, Brazil. This represents the airline's first-ever direct link between Western Canada and South America. The route will utilize Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with an approximate flight time of 14 hours. The new connection marks a major milestone for Calgary International Airport, with São Paulo becoming the airport's 100th nonstop destination. Through WestJet's interline partnership with LATAM Airlines, passengers connecting in São Paulo will gain access to more than 60 additional destinations across South America.

To support regional point-to-point travel from smaller communities, the airline is increasing capacity across several Western Canadian cities:

Saskatoon: +77% capacity growth, with peak Cancun and Puerto Vallarta flights increasing from four to five weekly.
Regina: +64% capacity growth, featuring a new nonstop service to Los Cabos, Mexico.
Edmonton: +34% capacity growth, doubling weekly flights to Los Cabos and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Winnipeg: +26% capacity growth, increasing flights to Liberia, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, and adding new routes to Belize City and Punta Cana.
Calgary: +18% capacity growth, expanding Mexico services, adding a new Mérida route, and launching the São Paulo flight.

During the winter season, WestJet will also deploy Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on selected leisure routes to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Maui, while maintaining year-round operations from Calgary to London Heathrow, Paris, and Tokyo. Seasonal long-haul flights to Rome and Seoul will extend through November before restarting in March 2027, with Dublin, Edinburgh, and Barcelona services returning during the summer period.

WestJet Winter 2026/2027 Regional Capacity Increases

Canadian Origin City	Capacity Growth Year-over-Year	Major Network Changes & New Routes
Saskatoon (YXE)	+77%	Peak Cancun & Puerto Vallarta routes increased from 4 to 5 weekly
Regina (YQR)	+64%	New nonstop service to Los Cabos, Mexico
Edmonton (YEG)	+34%	Doubled weekly flights to Los Cabos & Montego Bay, Jamaica
Winnipeg (YWG)	+26%	Expanded Mexico/Costa Rica flights; new Belize City & Punta Cana routes
Calgary (YYC)	+18%	Expanded Mexico services; new Mérida route & São Paulo launch

Shifting Tourism and Business Links to Regional Canadian Communities

For the traveler, the real impact of direct long-haul flights is the opportunity to support local economies and eco-tourism initiatives without the hassle and emissions of multiple domestic connections. Bypassing legacy hubs in Toronto or Vancouver allows passengers to allocate their travel budgets directly to community-guided excursions, local accommodations, and regional craftsmen in destinations like Belize, Mexico, and Brazil.

Destination Canada, Travel Alberta, Tourism Saskatchewan, and Tourism Winnipeg emphasize that expanding direct air connections from regional Prairie hubs is vital for supporting business and leisure travel. Inbound visitors arriving via these routes can easily access authentic regional experiences, supporting indigenous-led tourism and local farmers. Similarly, WestJet's seasonal deployment of next-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft helps optimize fuel efficiency per seat mile on long-haul services, supporting environmental goals.

Local Insider Tips for Travelers Using WestJet's Sun Network

To make the most of your journey and navigate these destinations comfortably, keep these practical visitor tips in mind:

Identify Off-Peak Visit Windows: Visit São Paulo between April and June or August and October when the weather is mild and dry, avoiding the hot, rainy summer months of December to February. For Mexican resort destinations like Los Cabos or Cancun, travel during the shoulder months of May or November to enjoy warm weather with smaller crowds.
Observe Regional Etiquette: In Brazil, greetings are warm and expressive; a handshake is standard, and conversations often proceed at a relaxed pace. In Belize, respect local marine conservation guidelines by using reef-safe sunscreen and keeping a safe distance from fragile coral reefs when snorkeling.
Savor Local Dining Specialties: Support family-owned culinary traditions. In São Paulo, try a classic Mortadella Sandwich at the municipal market or sample authentic Feijoada (black bean and pork stew) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In Los Cabos, seek out local fish tacos at neighborhood stands rather than hotel buffets.
Explore Under-the-Radar Attractions: In Mérida, Mexico, walk along the historic Paseo de Montejo during the evening to admire the French-influenced architecture. In Belize City, take a water taxi to Caye Caulker to experience the laid-back Go Slow island lifestyle and support local seafood stands.

Long-Term Outlook for Aviation Gateways in Western Canada

In the long run, the expansion of WestJet's winter sun network and the launch of the Calgary–São Paulo gateway highlights a wider aviation shift toward point-to-point connectivity from secondary airport hubs. By offering direct international routes from regional Prairie communities, carriers can tap into growing travel demand while reducing reliance on primary hub airports.

As economic cooperation, technological investment, and academic links between Western Canada and Latin America continue to strengthen, the demand for direct connections will remain robust. Establishing reliable direct routes will continue to shape the Canadian aviation sector, offering passengers more flexible travel choices and supporting sustainable tourism growth for decades.