Air Transat Launches Non-Stop Ottawa to London Gatwick Flights for First Time Since 2014

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 22 June 2026

Air Transat launched a new three-weekly non-stop service between Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport and London Gatwick on 15 May 2026, restoring direct transatlantic connectivity between the two capitals after an eleven-year gap.

Air Transat Restores Ottawa to London Gatwick Route After Eleven-Year Absence

Air Transat launched a new non-stop route between Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on 15 May 2026, marking the first direct connection between the two capitals since 2014. Operating three times a week, the service is currently the only non-stop link between Ottawa and Gatwick, representing a meaningful step forward for transatlantic travel between Canada and the United Kingdom.

The launch brings to an end an eleven-year period during which passengers travelling between Ottawa and London had no choice but to connect through larger Canadian hubs such as Toronto Pearson or Montreal-Trudeau. That indirect routing added hours to the journey and increased the overall cost of travel — a frustration that Air Transat's new service now resolves.

The First Direct Ottawa to London Flights in Over a Decade

Direct flights between Ottawa and London last operated in 2014, leaving more than a decade with no non-stop option between the two capitals. For travellers in Ottawa, reaching London meant building in a domestic leg before even beginning the transatlantic crossing. For UK passengers heading the other way, arriving at a connecting hub rather than directly into Canada's capital added unnecessary complexity to the trip.

Air Transat's new service changes that entirely. With three weekly departures now operating from both ends, passengers have a direct, reliable option that removes the need for a connection and significantly reduces overall journey time.

Why Ottawa Is More Than Just Canada’s Capital

Why Ottawa Is a Compelling Destination for UK Travellers

Canada's capital has historically sat in the shadow of Toronto and Montreal when it comes to direct air access from Britain. Yet, it offers a travel experience that stands firmly on its own merits. Ottawa is home to the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, a 202-kilometre waterway that transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink each winter. The city's cultural offer is equally strong, with the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum among its headline attractions.

Beyond the city itself, Ottawa's location makes it a practical base for exploring eastern Canada more broadly. Montreal is just under two hours away by road, Toronto is reachable within four, and Niagara Falls sits comfortably within a day trip. For UK travellers looking to cover more ground, flying directly into Ottawa opens up a different and underexplored entry point into the country.

London Gatwick as the UK Gateway for the Route

Gatwick is one of the UK's busiest and most well-connected airports, serving a wide catchment area across the south of England. As the UK endpoint for this route, it gives travellers across the region straightforward access to the service without transiting through Heathrow. For Canadian passengers arriving at Gatwick, the airport offers strong onward connectivity across the UK and into Europe, adding further value to the route in both directions.

Part of Air Transat's Broader Transatlantic Expansion

The Ottawa to London Gatwick service is part of a wider push by Air Transat to grow its transatlantic network this season. The Canadian leisure carrier has been adding new European routes, and this launch reflects sustained demand for direct Canada-UK connectivity beyond the country's largest cities.

UK travellers looking to book flights to Ottawa can speak with Crystal Travel's travel agents to check availability and find the best fares for the new route.