Ottawa Tourism is celebrating the return of Air Canada’s direct flight service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Ottawa (YOW) during IBTM 2024. Re-launching in March 2025, after a four-year hiatus due to COVID, the service will further strengthen Ottawa’s connections to London, Europe and beyond.
The resumption of these flights will not only provide greater access for UK visitors but also those able to connect through London from the rest of Europe and other overseas markets.
The highly anticipated return of the flight route will provide association and corporate event organisers with another direct route from Europe to Canada’s capital, allowing them to make the most of the city’s extensive conference and event infrastructure. Business and leisure travellers from the UK and beyond will also reap the benefits of closer connections, increasing tourism, business opportunities and economic engagement between the two capitals.
Air Canada will operate the route with five weekly non-stop flights, creating an efficient and comfortable link for travellers. This service is poised to support Ottawa’s growing reputation as a destination for business events and tourism while also offering convenient options for Ottawa residents traveling to London and Europe.
“Ottawa’s connectivity with the UK has always been an essential part of our city’s global outreach, and the return of this direct route will be a huge boon for both leisure and business travellers,” said Lesley Pincombe, Ottawa Tourism’s Vice President, Meetings and Major Events. “We’re excited to be able to showcase our dynamic city to more tourists and business delegates from the UK and across Europe.”
From March 31, 2025, Air Canada will resume its direct service between London Heathrow and Ottawa. It will operate on a seasonal basis until October 2025, after which point there is potential for a year-round service to commence as the airline introduces its new Airbus A321XLR fleet.
The proposed schedule is as follows:
Flight AC889 London Heathrow (LHR) – Ottawa (YOW):
- Mondays and Thursdays 14:05, arriving 16:35
- Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12:40, arriving at 15:20
Flight AC888 Ottawa (YOW) – London Heathrow (LHR):
- Mondays and Thursdays at 18:40, arriving at 06:30 the next day
- Wednesday and Saturdays 20:55, arriving 08:35 the next day
Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights will come with Wi-Fi and gourmet meals created by Canadian celebrity chefs. Additionally, passengers can also join the Aeroplan loyalty programme and have the opportunity to access Maple Leaf Lounges.
