Porter Airlines, 132-seat Embraer. Supplied image
New nonstop route to Ottawa expands Fort McMurray’s travel connections
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — Fort McMurray International Airport continues to attract interest from Canada’s air carriers. Porter Airlines will begin running flights directly between Fort McMurray and Ottawa beginning November 17.
The new route makes Porter the only airline offering nonstop service between the two cities, with three weekly roundtrips planned year-round. It also gives Fort McMurray travellers quick access to Eastern Canada through Ottawa, with connections to Halifax, St. John’s, Moncton and Toronto.
“Porter is the only airline providing service between Ottawa and Fort McMurray,” said Andrew Pierce, the company’s vice president of network planning. “As the latest addition to our network, Fort McMurray is gaining valuable new air service to support its position as a key economic centre and leisure travel destination for outdoor adventure. It connects with our growing Ottawa hub, providing many connecting travel options throughout Eastern Canada and other North American locations.”
Local officials say the move responds directly to demand in the community. “YMM is thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines with a new nonstop flight to Ottawa,” said Denean Robinson, president and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “We build strong business cases and work closely with both current and prospective airline partners to bring in new routes and increase frequency on the ones we already have. We also listen closely to our community, and we know they’ve been eager to see Porter at YMM.”
Robinson added that the flights will make it easier for residents to connect with friends, family, and business opportunities. “The schedule makes it easy to connect to popular East Coast destinations and beyond, giving residents more access to the places they want to go. This partnership grows YMM’s network and gives travellers greater choice and flexibility when planning their journeys.”
Susan Margles, president and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority, also welcomed the service. “Porter Airlines’ new nonstop service between Ottawa and Fort McMurray marks another exciting milestone. This new route not only enhances connectivity for business and leisure travellers but also reinforces our shared commitment to serving communities across Canada with convenience and care.”
Porter’s arrival in Fort McMurray adds to its expanding Western Canadian presence, as the city becomes the airline’s third Alberta destination alongside Calgary and Edmonton. The flights will be operated on 132-seat Embraer aircraft featuring no middle seats, free premium snacks, complimentary beer and wine, and fast WiFi.
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