Air Canada has announced plans to resume nonstop international flights between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and London Heathrow (LHR) starting March 31, 2025. This announcement follows a five-year hiatus in service. The service will operate four times a week using the airline's Dreamliner fleet and offer passengers three cabin classes: Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Air Canada is the only Canadian carrier providing nonstop connections from Canada's capital to Europe.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, highlighted London's importance as a top global destination and Heathrow's as a major international hub. He emphasized the convenient connections available through AC's Star Alliance partners at Heathrow's Queen's Terminal, which offers access to over 30 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.
The Ottawa-London Heathrow service will operate seasonally from March 31 to October 25, 2025. Flights from Ottawa will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with return flights on the same days. The airline's choice of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for this route reflects its commitment to providing a comfortable and modern travel experience for passengers. The aircraft is known for its spacious cabins, large windows, and advanced entertainment systems.
Expanding Service With the Airbus A321XLR
Air Canada is considering the possibility of increased frequency and year-round service on this route with the future delivery of its Airbus A321XLR fleet, which AC expects to begin arriving in late 2025. The A321XLR is a long-range, single-aisle aircraft that is designed to offer airlines greater flexibility and efficiency on long-haul routes. Its impressive range and fuel efficiency make it an ideal option for Air Canada to potentially expand its Ottawa-London Heathrow service, potentially enabling year-round operations and increased flight frequencies.
Air Canada's Growth in Ottawa
This announcement follows AC's recent expansion of services from Ottawa to various Canadian cities and sun destinations for the upcoming winter season. The airline will operate up to 229 weekly flights to and from Ottawa next year, covering regional, domestic, international, and transborder routes. This signifies Air Canada's commitment to Ottawa as a key hub for its network and underscores the importance of the capital city as a gateway to both Canada and beyond.
Air Canada's Position in the Aviation Industry
The biggest airline in Canada, AC is also the biggest supplier of scheduled passenger services within the country, across international borders, and between Canada and the United States. The carrier is a founding member of Star Alliance, the largest air transportation network in the world. This makes Air Canada a significant player in the global aviation landscape, and its renewed focus on Ottawa underscores the city's growing importance as a destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Booking Flights
Tickets for the new Ottawa-London Heathrow flights are now available through AC's outlets. With the resumption of this key route and the potential for expansion with the A321XLR, Air Canada is poised to enhance connectivity between Ottawa and Europe, making travel between the two regions more accessible and convenient.
