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Air Transat Starts First Non-Stop Service Between London Gatwick and Ottawa
Air Transat introduces a new seasonal route linking London Gatwick directly to Ottawa, enhancing UK-Canada travel options during the Canadian capital's 200th anniversary year.
The gist
Air Transat launches direct London Gatwick to Ottawa flights, expanding UK-Canada connections with efficient Airbus aircraft.
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Air Transat has inaugurated a new direct flight route connecting London Gatwick Airport with Ottawa International Airport, marking the first ever non-stop service between these destinations. This seasonal service operates up to three times per week and coincides with Ottawa's bicentennial celebrations, making travel to the Canadian capital more accessible for UK passengers. The addition also significantly strengthens Air Transat's transatlantic network from the UK.
This new London Gatwick to Ottawa link complements Air Transat's existing UK-Canada services, which include year-round flights to Toronto from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Glasgow, plus summer non-stop services to Montréal from Gatwick. With these additions, Air Transat now offers up to 34 weekly non-stop flights from the UK to various Canadian destinations during peak season. This expansion provides UK travelers enhanced options for direct travel to Canada.
Ottawa, uniquely positioned at the convergence of Ontario and Québec provinces, is a compelling destination for travelers interested in culture and leisure experiences. The new direct service eliminates the need for connecting flights through Toronto or Montréal, cutting total travel time and streamlining the passenger journey. Flight timings have been arranged with convenient departure and arrival schedules to suit UK-based travelers.
The service is operated using Air Transat's modern Airbus fleet, prominently featuring the A321LR aircraft. This narrowbody aircraft is well-suited for medium-haul transatlantic routes, offering superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to older aircraft types. Alongside the A321LR, Air Transat also utilizes A330-200 and A330-300 jets in its long-haul fleet, forming a reliable backbone for year-round and seasonal routes across the Atlantic.
Passenger comfort remains a priority for Air Transat on its transatlantic operations. Economy Class passengers enjoy ergonomic seating, mood lighting, complimentary hot meals with wine or beer, and generous carry-on baggage allowances. The onboard personal touch-screen entertainment systems provide a wide selection of movies, music, and games to enhance the in-flight experience.
For travelers seeking an elevated experience, Club Class offers more spacious seating with enhanced recline, gourmet meal options, premium beverages, and priority boarding plus baggage handling. This cabin configuration caters especially to leisure travelers who prefer comfort without enduring ultra-long haul flights. Air Transat has earned recognition, having been named the World's Best Leisure Airline in 2025 by Skytrax for the seventh straight year.
The launch of the Gatwick–Ottawa route aligns with Ottawa’s year-long bicentennial event programme, 'Celebrate Together'. The city is hosting special activities at Parliament Hill, events along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, and notable festivals such as the Ottawa Bluesfest and CityFolk. This improved connectivity facilitates easier access for UK visitors eager to participate in the bicentennial celebrations and explore the city's cultural and outdoor attractions.
This new direct service reinforces Air Transat’s commitment to expanding its UK-Canada market presence, offering greater travel choices and convenience with competitive flight options. It also showcases the airline’s continuing focus on environmentally efficient aircraft and quality passenger experiences tailored to leisure travelers. Tickets for this new route are currently available for booking via Air Transat’s website.
Frequently asked questions
- What new route has Air Transat recently launched from London Gatwick?
- Air Transat has launched a new seasonal direct flight route from London Gatwick to Ottawa International Airport, operating up to three times weekly.
- What aircraft does Air Transat use for the Gatwick–Ottawa route?
- The airline operates the Gatwick–Ottawa service using its modern Airbus fleet, primarily the fuel-efficient A321LR, which is suitable for medium-haul transatlantic flights.
- How does the new direct flight between Gatwick and Ottawa benefit travellers?
- The direct flight removes the need to connect via Toronto or Montréal, reducing total travel time and improving convenience for passengers traveling between the UK and Ottawa.
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