by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 1:00 PM ET, Mon January 19, 2026
WestJet and Calgary International Airport (YYC) marked a milestone today (Jan. 19, 2026), announcing a new route from Calgary to Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil.
Besides being the 100th destination travellers can fly to from Calgary on WestJet, this new flight is the first to directly link Western Canada and South America, non-stop.
"From our very first flight in 1996 to 100 non-stop destinations on four continents, this city has stood alongside us every step of the way," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. "We're deeply grateful to our Calgary partners and the millions of guests who have trusted us over the years; this support has made the road from one to 100 possible and we are proud to further strengthen Calgary's position as the best connected mid-sized city in North America!"
A sought-after cultural destination in its own right, São Paulo (the largest city in the Americas) is also a gateway to warm weather adventures throughout the continent. This flight will open new connection opportunities, including for Western Canadian travellers who want to take in the golden beaches of Rio or Lima's coastal cliffs and Santiago's vineyard valleys, without transiting through the U.S.
WestJet is also pleased to point out that São Paulo also adds “valuable business opportunities, including belly-cargo capacity, supporting businesses on both continents with more flexible access to expanding markets.”
Julius Mooney, WestJet Director, Cargo is excited by the connectivity possibilities. "We hope this service encourages more direct two-way trade between Canada and Brazil such as South American perishables, industrial parts and pharmaceuticals,” Mooney says. “We also anticipate a flow of Asian ecommerce items into South America through WestJet's non-stop service between Calgary and Narita, which further leverages WestJet's global hub at YYC."
The flight will operate three times weekly on WestJet's 787-9 Dreamliner, starting Nov. 8, 2026.
| Route | Frequency | Start date | Departure | Arrival |
| Calgary - São Paulo* | 3x weekly | November 8, 2026 | 22:45 | 15:35 |
| São Paulo – Calgary* | 3x weekly | November 9, 2026 | 19:40 | 05:15 |
* Pending government approval
"This strategic expansion allows more Canadians to access a Brazil of authentic experiences, exuberant nature, and a culture and diversity unlike anywhere else," says Marcelo Freixo, President of the Brazilian Tourism Board (Visit Brasil/Embratur). "Brazil has a vibe that cannot be explained, it must be felt. We invite all Canadians to discover that there truly is no place like Brazil."
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