WestJet has unveiled five new seasonal routes for the winter 2026/2027 schedule, further cementing its role as Canada's dominant leisure carrier. The additions target high-demand sun destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, with service set to begin between late November and December 2026.
The new routes include Calgary (YYC) to Mérida (MID), marking the first non-stop connection between Western Canada and the cultural capital of Yucatán. Other additions are Winnipeg (YWG) to Belize City (BZE), Winnipeg to Punta Cana (PUJ), Regina (YQR) to San José del Cabo (SJD), and Ottawa (YOW) to Liberia (LIR). All routes will operate weekly frequencies during the peak winter travel period.
Strategic Capacity Deployment
John Weatherill, WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the new services are designed to meet growing demand for travel to Mexico and the Latin Caribbean while optimizing fleet utilization during the winter months. “We are excited to offer more ways for guests to trade their snow boots for sandals in the destinations that matter most to them,” Weatherill stated.
The Calgary–Mérida route is particularly notable, as it opens a new gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula for passengers from Alberta and British Columbia. Mérida, known for its colonial architecture and proximity to Mayan archaeological sites, has seen increased interest from Canadian tour operators and independent travelers alike.
WestJet's expansion reinforces its status as the top Canadian carrier to Mexico, Belize, and Liberia. The airline now serves more sun destinations from Western Canada than any other domestic competitor, leveraging its Calgary hub for connections across the region.
Sunwing Vacations Alignment
Sunwing Vacations, part of the WestJet Group, has also released its winter 2026/2027 schedule, which includes new holiday packages to Puerto Plata (POP) and Roatán (RTB). The full program runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, offering bundled flights, accommodations, and transfers for leisure travelers.
The coordinated approach between WestJet and Sunwing allows the group to capture both scheduled service and charter demand, a strategy that has proven effective in the competitive Canadian leisure market. Travel agents can expect commissionable packages on the new routes, with Sunwing's booking platform integrated into the WestJet network.
Industry observers note that the route additions come as Canadian carriers face capacity constraints from aircraft delivery delays and engine maintenance issues. WestJet's ability to add these services suggests careful fleet planning, likely leveraging its Boeing 737 MAX fleet for the medium-haul sectors.
For travel professionals, the new routes present opportunities to sell winter sun getaways to clients in underserved markets. Winnipeg gains two new non-stop options to the Caribbean, while Regina's connection to Los Cabos provides a direct alternative to connecting flights through Calgary or Vancouver. Ottawa's Liberia service strengthens ties to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region, popular among eco-tourists and luxury travelers.
The expansion also aligns with broader trends in Canadian outbound tourism, where demand for beach vacations continues to outpace domestic winter travel. As IATA data shows premium travel surging on global routes, WestJet's focus on leisure markets reflects a strategic bet on value-conscious and mid-market travelers.
WestJet's winter 2026 schedule will be available for booking through the airline's website, GDS systems including Sabre and Amadeus, and via Sunwing Vacations. The carrier advises travel agents to monitor inventory as peak booking periods approach in mid-2026.
