OTTAWA, Canada — Ottawa Tourism is celebrating a major milestone for the city’s international connectivity following the launch of Air Transat’s new non-stop service between London Gatwick and Ottawa International Airport.
The new seasonal route began service this summer and will operate three times weekly on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays through Oct. 23, 2026. The addition further strengthens Ottawa’s growing network of direct European connections and provides new opportunities for international business events, conferences and corporate meetings.
For event planners, association leaders and corporate organizers, the route represents another important step in Ottawa’s emergence as one of Canada’s leading destinations for international meetings and conventions.
More options for international delegates
The new London Gatwick route arrives at a time when demand for international business events continues to grow across Canada.
Ottawa already benefits from direct service to Paris-Charles de Gaulle through Air France and direct flights to London Heathrow through Air Canada. Now, the addition of London Gatwick gives travelers even greater flexibility when planning travel to Canada’s capital.
The route is particularly significant because the United Kingdom remains Ottawa’s largest overseas visitor market. At the same time, the service creates additional connections for travelers arriving from across Europe, Canada’s second-largest international source market.
As a result, conference delegates, keynote speakers, exhibitors and business travelers can access Ottawa more easily than ever before.
Strong support for business events
The announcement also aligns with Canada’s continued investment in attracting major international conventions and conferences.
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced an additional $15 million investment over three years for the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). The program, administered by Destination Canada, helps Canadian destinations compete for large-scale international events.
Since its creation, ICAF has helped secure 116 major international conferences and conventions across Canada. Those events are expected to attract more than 324,000 attendees and generate more than $803 million in direct economic impact.
For Ottawa, stronger air access combined with national support programs creates a powerful advantage when competing for future global events.
Ottawa’s global profile continues to rise
Stephanie Seguin, Vice President of Business and Major Events at Ottawa Tourism, said direct air access remains one of the most important factors considered by event organizers when selecting a destination.
According to Seguin, the new service provides greater convenience for UK and European delegates while reinforcing Ottawa’s reputation as a welcoming and accessible capital city capable of hosting world-class events.
The city offers a compact downtown core, short airport transfer times and a growing collection of hotels, venues and attractions. In addition, the Rogers Centre Ottawa serves as a central hub for conferences and major gatherings.
A destination built for meetings and conventions
Ottawa’s appeal extends beyond transportation.
The city continues to attract organizations involved in life sciences, technology, sustainability, defense, security, public policy and innovation. These sectors provide event planners with opportunities to connect attendees with government leaders, academic institutions, researchers and industry experts.
Delegates can experience Canada’s capital through its museums, galleries, restaurants, outdoor attractions and cultural experiences.
Enhanced connectivity through London Gatwick, Paris and Heathrow, Ottawa is now more accessible than ever for international visitors.
As global organizations continue searching for destinations that combine accessibility, expertise and exceptional event infrastructure, Ottawa appears well-positioned for continued growth on the international stage.
Ottawa Tourism
📍 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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