2026 is looking like it will be a fruitful year for WestJet as far as the airline’s network growth is concerned. Indeed, current scheduling data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, show that the Canadian carrier is launching 13 new international routes from May 2026 onwards. These range from short-haul hops to Latin America to long-haul odysseys serving Europe and South America.

Another interesting thing to note about WestJet’s international growth this year is that this initiative isn’t solely centered on its main bases. While the likes of Halifax / Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) do have several new routes apiece, there are also smaller facilities that are set to enjoy increased international connectivity thanks to WestJet’s growth in 2026.

Halifax’s Huge Boom

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Starting in 2026, WestJet is launching four new international routes from Halifax, the province of Nova Scotia’s main air hub. Despite relations between the US and Canada having been, to put it mildly, somewhat rocky in recent years, one of these four routes serves an American destination: Detroit. From mid-May to Mid-October, WestJet will serve this route daily using Boeing 737s.

Meanwhile, the airline’s other three new international routes from Halifax are both transatlantic corridors, reflecting the airport’s growing European network. Their destinations are Copenhagen, Lisbon, and Madrid, all served seasonally on the 737 MAX 8. Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet’s Director of Airport Affairs & Alliances, welcomed the growth.

“We are proud to continue growing our international and domestic networks in partnership with Halifax Stanfield International Airport, supporting the people, businesses, and communities that make this region such a vital part of our operations.”

From Toronto To The World

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Further inland, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is also playing host to three new international WestJet routes this year. Once again, all of them will serve European destinations on a seasonal basis, with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 being the aircraft of choice. While these jets have various layouts, Cirium data show that those flying to Europe will have 12 premium and 162 economy-class seats.

The most recent of these new corridors to commence operations was also the shortest, namely WestJet’s route from Toronto to the Portuguese island of Ponta Delgada (PDL) in the Azores. All in all, having started on Friday, June 12, the airline has penciled in 56 rotations on this new route in 2026, with its coverage lasting until late September. This corridor is 4,524 km (2,443 nautical miles) long.

WestJet’s other two new international routes launched from Toronto this year not only serve European destinations but, more specifically, link the province of Ontario with cities in the United Kingdom. Their destinations are Cardiff Airport (CWL) in Wales and Glasgow Airport (GLA) in Scotland, with these seasonal routes set to be served 65 and 73 times in 2026, respectively.

The Best Of The Rest

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Arguably the most interesting of WestJet’s other new international routes this year links Calgary International Airport (YYC) in the province of Alberta with São Paulo in Brazil. Operated by the 787-9 Dreamliner, Pax News recently reported that its seasonal schedule had been shortened. Originally set to run from November to April, WestJet will now only serve this route from December to February.

Elsewhere in Canada, Winnipeg has two new (and very different) international WestJet routes on its roster this year. Indeed, one serves Keflavík in Iceland while the other will link the Manitoba city to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, WestJet’s other new foreign links this year include Edmonton (YEG) to Keflavík, Québec City to Roatán, and Saskatoon to Mazatlán It will certainly be interesting to see how they all perform.