by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Thu May 15, 2025
Porter Airlines has announced a new route linking Ottawa (YOW) and Victoria (YYJ), beginning with four flights weekly and moving to daily flights on June 16, 2025.
“Direct service between Victoria and Ottawa is a welcome new connection between two of Canada’s capital cities. From federal engagement to tourism and exploration, Porter Airlines’ new service offers convenience, efficiency, and a uniquely Canadian travel experience,” says Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority. “We’re excited to welcome more visitors to Vancouver Island, and equally excited to make it easier for our community to explore the heart of our nation.”
Porter’s is the only scheduled flight that flies non-stop between our nation’s capital and the capital city of British Columbia. The news comes hot on the heels of yesterday's new Toronto-Kelowna route announcement.
“This route is a natural connection between two cities that share deep national significance and tourism appeal,” says Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. “We’re proud to be the only airline offering non-stop service between Ottawa and Victoria, providing travellers with a more efficient and enjoyable way to move across the country.”
To celebrate the new route, Porter has partnered with the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and the Fairmont Empress in Victoria. Travellers on the inaugural flights will have the chance to win two tickets on Porter Airlines with a two-night stay at the Fairmont in their arrival city.
Cuts to YYZ-SAN and YUL-LAS
The news coincides with the cancellation of Porter’s Toronto Pearson (YYZ) - San Diego (SAN) route at the end of June, according to Simple Flying. The route currently runs four times a week. Air Canada will continue as the sole operator on the route, with a daily flight between the two cities.
"We never want to leave any market, however, we are prioritizing operational reliability over the summer period, which requires additional spare aircraft capacity,” states Porter. “This was a logical decision as San Diego is a newer addition to our network, having launched last December, and unfortunately hasn't met our performance expectations."
As well, the planned Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) - Harry Reid Las Vegas (LAS) route which was scheduled to start in January 2026 has been preemptively cancelled. Air Canada also remains the sole carrier on this route, with 10 weekly flights.
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