Wales is back on the map for direct transatlantic travel — after the first WestJet flight from Toronto landed at Cardiff Airport on Saturday, restoring a direct link between Wales and Canada that has been missing for nearly 20 years.
The Boeing 737-8 MAX touched down on the runway at Rhoose to a traditional water cannon salute from the airport’s fire crews — a ceremonial welcome reserved for inaugural flights and other major aviation milestones.
The new four-times-a-week service had been first announced last year, and the launch follows months of preparation at the south Wales hub. Passengers on board the inaugural flight were greeted by a local Penarth choir, Criw Canu, who sang Welsh songs at the foot of the aircraft steps as the crew disembarked.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is one of the largest aviation hubs in North America, with onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States — including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver, Florida and New York.
The launch was attended by Plaid Cymru leader and Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, alongside the Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, and senior figures from Visit Wales.
Adam Price MS said the new service was a major moment for Wales’ economic prospects.
He said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.”
He added: “Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow — and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK. Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”
While Saturday’s launch restores direct flights between Wales and North America, there is still no sign of a return for Qatar Airways — the Middle East carrier whose Doha route gave Cardiff Airport its only direct link to the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia until it was suspended during the pandemic and never restored. The Welsh Conservatives called earlier this year for the route’s return to be made an “utmost priority” for the Welsh Government, which owns the airport.
The launch also comes during a period of significant change at the airport. Earlier this month it appointed a new cargo expert as part of its push to become a regional freight hub.
Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales. The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.”
He added: “We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”
Chris White-DeVries, WestJet’s Senior Manager for Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the new route was an exciting milestone for the airline as well as the communities it would serve.
He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities. Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”
The new service is seasonal — running through the summer months — and will operate four times a week. Flights from Toronto to Cardiff depart at 22:10 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Return flights from Cardiff to Toronto depart at 11:35 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Cardiff Airport says it supports thousands of jobs across south Wales and contributes more than £200 million annually to the Welsh economy. The airport operates both the main commercial terminal at Rhoose and the nearby St Athan Airport site.
Earlier this month Swansea Bay News published a guide to what to do in Toronto for passengers planning to take advantage of the new route.
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