Ottawa, Canada — Porter Airlines is taking another significant step in strengthening Canada’s domestic air travel network with the launch of a new nonstop route between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Starting November 17, 2025, the carrier will be the only airline offering direct service between the two cities, creating new opportunities for business travelers, tourists, and regional industries.
Connecting Eastern and Western Canada
This new year-round route will operate three weekly roundtrips, strategically enhancing connectivity between Eastern Canada and one of Alberta’s key economic hubs. The schedule is designed to provide convenience for passengers traveling for work or leisure, while also creating better access to Alberta’s booming energy region.
Travelers flying from Fort McMurray will benefit from seamless connections to Porter’s expansive Eastern Canada network, including St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, and Toronto, all accessible via Ottawa. This network expansion supports economic integration and provides efficient travel options for business operations, government travel, and tourism-related mobility.
Flight Schedule
| Route | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa → Fort McMurray | 9:25 a.m. | 11:55 a.m. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Fort McMurray → Ottawa | 12:50 p.m. | 6:45 p.m. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
All times are local for clarity and convenience.
Expanding Western Canada Presence
With the addition of Fort McMurray, Porter now serves three Alberta destinations, joining Calgary and Edmonton. From its Ottawa hub, the airline now connects 26 destinations nationwide, reinforcing its role in strengthening Canadian domestic air travel and ensuring that smaller and underserved markets benefit from high-quality service options.
Premium Experience on Board
Porter’s Ottawa–Fort McMurray flights will feature the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, offering 132 comfortable seats with no middle seats for a superior onboard experience. Travelers can expect:
- Complimentary premium snacks
- Beer and wine served in glassware
- High-speed Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity
Passengers can choose between PorterReserve, which includes fresh meals, extra legroom, priority boarding, and checked baggage, or PorterClassic, a flexible option where travelers can customize their journey to suit their preferences and budgets.
Economic Benefits for Both Regions
This new route is expected to stimulate economic growth by facilitating greater mobility between Eastern and Western Canada. For Fort McMurray, a hub for energy sector operations, the direct link to Ottawa streamlines travel for corporate teams, contractors, and government representatives.
In Ottawa and the Atlantic provinces, the route encourages stronger collaboration between industries, supports business travel, and fosters opportunities for joint ventures that will benefit both regions economically.
Boosting Tourism and Leisure Travel
The Ottawa–Fort McMurray connection also represents a major boost for tourism. Travelers from Ontario and Eastern Canada will have direct access to Alberta’s outdoor adventures, including its pristine wilderness, world-class fishing, northern lights viewing, and eco-tourism experiences in Northern Alberta.
Similarly, tourists from Western Canada can now explore Ottawa’s cultural landmarks, such as Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and national museums, or connect to other cities in Eastern Canada for extended vacations. This enhanced accessibility strengthens tourism-based businesses, supports hospitality employment, and promotes year-round travel.
Strategic Growth and Regional Development
The new route reflects Porter Airlines’ strategic commitment to building domestic connectivity while meeting the growing demand for efficient, comfortable, and affordable travel options. By linking underserved routes and expanding regional networks, Porter is helping to bridge the gap between business hubs and leisure destinations across Canada.
According to Tourism Canada and various provincial tourism boards, expanded air connectivity drives tourism growth, increasing visitor numbers, length of stays, and local spending — all of which are anticipated outcomes of this new route.
Industry Trends and Outlook
Canada’s domestic aviation market is experiencing steady growth, driven by strong demand for both business and leisure travel. Porter’s expansion into Fort McMurray positions the airline as a key player in meeting this demand, combining modern aircraft, exceptional in-flight service, and competitive pricing.
Looking ahead, Porter is expected to expand its national footprint even further, adding more destinations while continuing to invest in upgraded passenger experiences and operational efficiency. Industry experts predict that such expansions will enhance Canada’s overall air connectivity, benefitting communities and supporting economic and tourism development.
A Win for Canadian Travelers
The Ottawa–Fort McMurray route is more than just a new flight — it’s a strategic connection that delivers tangible benefits to businesses, local communities, and travelers. With reliable schedules, premium service, and seamless connections, Porter Airlines is setting a new standard for domestic air travel in Canada.
As the first direct service between these two cities, this route opens the door to new economic opportunities and increased tourism, strengthening ties between Eastern and Western Canada while delivering the convenience and quality that travelers have come to expect from Porter Airlines.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
