Capital Idea: Air Transat Launches Service Between Ottawa and London Gatwick
by Bruce Parkinson
Air Transat celebrates the launch of YOW-LGW.
Air Transat has officially inaugurated new non-stop service between Ottawa and London Gatwick.
The first flights (TS382 and TS383) operated on Friday, May 15, marking the launch of a new link between the Canadian and British capitals and one of several new international routes from YOW in recent months.
“We are the only airline offering a non-stop flight between Ottawa and London Gatwick. It’s something we’re truly proud of and a meaningful addition for travellers in the Ottawa–Gatineau region,” said Sebastian Ponce, Transat’s Chief Revenue Officer.
“Combined with the connections offered by our partner Porter Airlines from multiple cities across Canada and the United States, this route positions Ottawa as a genuine gateway to Europe. It perfectly reflects the type of growth we’re focused on – targeted, well-connected routes that strengthen our position in the transatlantic market.”
The Transat service marks the second direct route between the two cities after Air Canada relaunched non-stop service from Ottawa to London’s Heathrow Airport last year.
Transat’s LGW flights will be operated three times a week – on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays – until October 23, 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Air Transat’s new nonstop service between Ottawa and London-Gatwick. As our third transatlantic route, this new service reflects growing demand for international travel from Ottawa-Gatineau and creates exciting opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange,” said Joel Tkach, Vice President, Business Development and Marketing with the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
The route is operated with the two-class Airbus A321LR, featuring a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system in both Economy Class and Club Class.





