Ottawa Enhances Transatlantic Connections with New Air Transat Service to London Gatwick

Ottawa Tourism is thrilled to announce Air Transat’s new direct flight connection from London Gatwick to Canada’s capital, which is set to enhance accessibility for international meetings, corporate events, and incentive travel. This significant new route underscores Ottawa’s commitment to growing its presence on the global tourism map.

Launching as a seasonal service, flights will operate three times weekly on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays until 23 October 2026. This addition to the Ottawa International Airport’s transatlantic network complements existing routes, including Air France’s year-round link between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the city, as well as Air Canada’s direct services to London Heathrow.

The introduction of the Gatwick route aligns perfectly with the burgeoning international business events sector, creating more avenues for global delegates, event planners, and exhibitors traveling between the United Kingdom and Ottawa. The UK remains Ottawa’s largest overseas visitor market, and improved air service also facilitates easier connections for travelers from various European destinations, strengthening Ottawa’s position among Canada’s most accessible cities for international tourism.

This launch coincides with a renewed focus on attracting international business events to Canada. New aviation links are critical in ensuring destinations can enhance their competitiveness in the global market, and the importance of these connections cannot be overstated when it comes to enticing international event planners.

In April 2026, the Canadian government committed an additional $15 million over three years to the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), managed by Destination Canada. This fund aims to bolster Canadian cities’ efforts in bidding for and securing major international conferences and events.

Since ICAF’s inception, it has played a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of 116 significant international events across Canada, expected to draw over 324,000 attendees and generate more than $803 million in direct economic impacts. These figures underscore the immense potential of the global business events landscape and highlight Ottawa’s role as a pivotal player in it.

With enhanced connectivity and increased support from the government, Ottawa is set to strengthen its reputation as a competitive destination for international business events. Air Transat’s new London Gatwick service promises to elevate the city’s capacity to attract a diverse slate of global conferences, corporate functions, and incentive programs.

“With the launch of Air Transat’s London Gatwick service, Ottawa’s international connectivity has made a significant leap forward,” said Stephanie Seguin, Vice President of Business and Major Events at Ottawa Tourism. “Direct air access is not just a logistical convenience; it is a fundamental factor in the decision-making process of event organizers when selecting locations for their significant international gatherings.”

This new route offers UK and European delegates enhanced choice and convenience, solidifying Ottawa’s status as a capital city that effortlessly accommodates global audiences. The timing is also crucial as Canada invests in the long-term benefits of international business events. Through initiatives like ICAF, cities such as Ottawa have at their disposal the tools, partnerships, and national endorsement required to compete for high-value international events.

The latest Gatwick connection bolsters Ottawa’s position as a cooperative and accessible site for hosting international meetings and events. International delegates will appreciate the convenient airport access, swift city transfers, and an easily navigable downtown area enriched with extensive accommodation options and a vibrant convention hub, which centers around the Rogers Centre Ottawa.

Beyond its primary event facilities, Ottawa offers a wealth of attractions including unique venues, museums, cultural sites, dining options, outdoor experiences, and activities that bring the city’s identity as a dynamic national capital to life. The variety of offerings ensures that attendees can enjoy a well-rounded experience while participating in business events.

Moreover, Ottawa’s business events landscape aligns with the evolving priorities of international associations, showcasing robust capabilities across various critical sectors including life sciences, technology, sustainability, defense and security, public policy, and research and innovation. These strengths empower event organizers to develop enriching experiences by linking delegates with local specialists, government agencies, academic institutions, industry leaders, and national organizations.

Stephanie Seguin noted that the addition of the London Gatwick route greatly benefits organizers evaluating Ottawa for future international conferences. Reliable and direct air service fosters delegate comfort and confidence, simplifies the logistics of event planning and ultimately drives growth in attendance, particularly for associations with participants from multiple global regions.

“London Gatwick adds another vital entry point into the UK and Europe, complementing our existing routes to Paris and London Heathrow. Collectively, these services maximize Ottawa’s accessibility for international visitors and foster new opportunities for planners seeking a destination that combines capital-city prestige, world-class event facilities, and an inviting Canadian atmosphere,” she said.

The new service, operated by Air Transat using an Airbus A321LR, features both Economy Class and Club Class configurations, ensuring a variety of travel preferences are catered to.

Source: The post Ottawa Tourism Welcomes Air Transat’s New London Gatwick Connection as Canada’s Capital Strengthens Transatlantic Air Access, Boosts International Tourism Growth and Expands Global Meetings and Incentive Travel Opportunities first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.