Porter Airlines Expands US Routes with Winter Launch of New Services

Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier, has announced the introduction of three new routes to the United States for the upcoming winter season. The airline will launch flights connecting Ottawa and Vancouver to major American Airlines hubs in Miami and Phoenix. Additionally, Porter is set to introduce its first Caribbean destination, with flights to Nassau from Montreal beginning in February 2026.

This expansion comes alongside a newly established codeshare partnership with American Airlines, which aims to enhance connectivity between Canada and the United States. Despite a recent decline in travel between the two countries, Canada remains the largest source of tourists to the US.

Details of New Routes

Starting on January 24, 2026, Porter will offer three weekly flights from Ottawa (YOW) to Miami (MIA). This will be followed by a daily service from Vancouver (YVR) to Phoenix (PHX) commencing on February 2, 2026. Ottawa will also gain a new link to Phoenix with three flights per week starting on February 7, 2026.

The announcement of these new routes highlights Porter’s commitment to expanding its service offerings. All flights will be operated using the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which accommodates up to 132 passengers in an economy configuration. These new services are designed to provide greater travel options for Canadians seeking warm destinations during the winter months.

Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines, remarked, “We are committed to bringing our elevated economy experience to more travellers by connecting key gateways with sun destinations at the time of year when these trips are most valued by Canadians. This growth is about offering more choices, more convenience, and the outstanding service our passengers have come to expect from Porter.”

Increased Capacity and Seasonal Services

In addition to the new routes, Porter Airlines plans to enhance capacity to its southern destinations by up to 25% at peak times this winter. This increase aims to meet the demand for warm-weather getaways during Canada’s cold winter season. The airline will add more frequencies on routes departing from Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto Pearson, linking to popular destinations such as the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

The new Caribbean service from Montreal to Nassau will also commence in February, with three weekly flights. This marks Porter’s first foray into non-US international destinations, demonstrating a strategic shift to diversify its route offerings.

Earlier this year, Porter unveiled several new winter sun routes, with a total of 13 new routes launching across five destinations starting in November. The timing of these expansions is particularly notable given the recent downturn in air travel between Canada and the US.

Porter Airlines’ collaboration with American Airlines, which began on September 29, 2023, will allow the two carriers to codeshare on select flights. American Airlines will place its code on specific Porter flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), while Porter will feature its code on selected transborder and domestic American Airlines flights. This partnership is expected to evolve further, potentially expanding the range of codeshare destinations and providing enhanced loyalty benefits.

This agreement represents a significant development in North American air travel, as it marks American Airlines’ first Canadian codeshare partnership. In contrast, Delta Air Lines has collaborated with WestJet, and United Airlines maintains a longstanding alliance with Air Canada.

As Porter Airlines continues to expand its network, the airline aims to offer more options to travelers seeking sun-filled escapes, showcasing its dedication to enhancing the travel experience for Canadians.