WestJet confirmed on 2 November that it will resume non-stop Edmonton–Cienfuegos flights from 10 December 2025, restoring a route suspended since the pandemic. The announcement forms part of the carrier’s 305-route winter schedule and follows earlier additions such as Edmonton–Montego Bay starting the same month.
The Cuban Tourism Office in Toronto welcomed the move, noting that Canada remains Cuba’s largest inbound market and that secondary cities like Cienfuegos need fresh air links to revive visitor numbers. WestJet’s Executive VP John Weatherill said the expansion “strengthens tourism ties between Canada and the Caribbean” and helps the airline capture leisure demand after significant integration of former Sunwing operations.
![WestJet to restart Cienfuegos service as Caribbean network expands]()
For travel-policy managers the reinstated service offers a new gateway to Cuba’s central industrial corridor, potentially shortening ground-transport times for project personnel in the nickel-processing and renewable-energy sectors clustered around Cienfuegos.
However, operators should be mindful of Cuba’s continuing logistical challenges—fuel shortages and service disruptions could still complicate itineraries. Organisations sending technicians should build flexibility into schedules and maintain contingency accommodation in Havana or Varadero.
WestJet tickets have been on sale since July, but companies may wish to secure group allocations early; aircraft utilisation is concentrated on sun routes and winter capacity is already 3 percent higher than last year, suggesting strong load factors.
The Cuban Tourism Office in Toronto welcomed the move, noting that Canada remains Cuba’s largest inbound market and that secondary cities like Cienfuegos need fresh air links to revive visitor numbers. WestJet’s Executive VP John Weatherill said the expansion “strengthens tourism ties between Canada and the Caribbean” and helps the airline capture leisure demand after significant integration of former Sunwing operations.
For travel-policy managers the reinstated service offers a new gateway to Cuba’s central industrial corridor, potentially shortening ground-transport times for project personnel in the nickel-processing and renewable-energy sectors clustered around Cienfuegos.
However, operators should be mindful of Cuba’s continuing logistical challenges—fuel shortages and service disruptions could still complicate itineraries. Organisations sending technicians should build flexibility into schedules and maintain contingency accommodation in Havana or Varadero.
WestJet tickets have been on sale since July, but companies may wish to secure group allocations early; aircraft utilisation is concentrated on sun routes and winter capacity is already 3 percent higher than last year, suggesting strong load factors.
