London calling! Air Canada to operate Ottawa-London Heathrow service through the winter

An Air Canada plane taxies down the runway at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.

Travellers will continue to be able to fly non-stop from Ottawa to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) through the winter.

Air Canada was scheduled to halt direct flights between Ottawa and London on Oct. 25 for the winter but announced on Tuesday it will continue the service year-round.

“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,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice-president and Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement.

“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.”

The head of the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) applauded Air Canada’s move to extend the Ottawa-London flight through the winter.

“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. “This move is a win for travellers, businesses, and our entire community.”

According to Air Canada, the Ottawa-London Heathrow flight will operate three days a week between Nov. 2 and March 27, with flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

“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,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said in a statement.

“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.”

Air Canada says it will operate over 450 weekly flights to and from Ottawa this winter to regional, domestic, transborder and international destinations.

Air Canada launched service between the Ottawa International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport on March 31, with four flights a week between the two cities.

Last week, Air Canada told CTV News Ottawa the Ottawa-London Heathrow flight would be halted through the winter, with service set to resume at the end of March 2026.