Air Canada has announced that direct flights from Ottawa to London Heathrow are to continue into the Winter 2025-2026 season (Nov. 2, 2025-Mar. 27, 2026.) As well as being a strategic route for both business travel and tourism, the flights play a crucial role in transporting Canadian goods.
Keeping Ottawa Connected
With London Heathrow the UK’s only hub-airport, the route is vital in keeping Ottawa globally connected.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada said:
Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country’s capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long. Customers travelling for business, corporate and leisure from the National Capital Region and abroad will enjoy the ease and convenience of international travel options to and from Ottawa.
The flights, which will take off on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, are scheduled as follows:
- Flight AC 888 from Ottawa (YOW) to London Heathrow (LHR), Departs: 21:55, Arrives: 09:20 +1 day
- Flight AC 889 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Ottawa (YOW), Departs: 12:00, Arrives: 14:30
The flights are set to increase to four weekly in the Summer 2026 season, which commences on 28 March 2026.
Speaking of the route’s role in supporting Canadian exports, The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade commented:
Most Canadian air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, which means every new route also opens a new trade corridor for Canadian goods. The extension of the Ottawa–London service will give Canadian businesses faster and more reliable access to the UK and Europe, supporting our exporters, driving investment, and creating good jobs here at home. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground — and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy.
The Only Canadian Airline Connecting Canada’s capital non-stop to Europe
The Ottawa-London Heathrow route makes Air Canada the only Canadian airline to fly directly from the capital to Europe.
The name Ottawa comes from the Algonquin word ‘adawe’, meaning “to trade”, and it is hoped that the extension of the flight route will solidify the city as a business and tourist destination.
Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa said:
I regularly hear from business leaders and residents that we need more direct links to Ottawa. The connection to London has been very successful and well-received. Expanding to year-round service will enhance Ottawa’s success as both a business and visitor destination. It strengthens our connection to the world, supports economic growth, and makes our city even more accessible as a place to visit, live, and invest in.
Flights can be booked now on Air Canada’s website.
Will you be flying the Ottawa-London Heathrow route with Air Canada? Share your comments below.
