Gatwick Gains Ottawa Flights

How to Plan Around the Schedule

Because the service operates only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, planning flexibility matters. If you are booking accommodation, tours, car hire or conference attendance, align your arrival and departure days with the Air Transat timetable before committing to non-refundable arrangements. Travellers with fixed dates should compare the direct flight against alternatives via Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Toronto or Montreal in case the Gatwick departure does not match their schedule. The route is seasonal and scheduled until 23 October 2026, so it is also important not to assume the same non-stop option will be available outside that period.

Gatwick Practicalities for Travellers

London Gatwick is well connected by rail, but travellers should still allow generous time for check-in, bag drop and security, especially during peak holiday periods. If you are arriving from another UK city, build in a buffer in case of rail disruption, motorway delays or airport crowding. Passengers transferring from London Heathrow should be especially cautious because Heathrow and Gatwick are separate airports on opposite sides of London, and the journey between them can be time-consuming. If your connection into Gatwick is on a separate ticket, Air Transat may not be responsible if you miss the Ottawa flight due to an earlier delay.

Entry Rules and Documents

Before booking, check Canada’s entry requirements for your nationality and passport type. Many visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization, commonly known as an eTA, and this should be arranged before travel rather than left until the airport. Your passport should also meet airline and border requirements for the duration of your stay, and names on tickets must match travel documents exactly. Event organisers moving groups should create a document checklist for delegates well in advance, as one missing authorization can delay or derail a group arrival.

What to Do if Flights Are Disrupted

If the Gatwick–Ottawa flight is delayed or cancelled, start by checking Air Transat’s app, website or airport desk for rebooking options. Because the route is not daily, passengers may be offered a later direct departure or an alternative routing through another Canadian or European gateway. UK passenger rights may apply to flights departing from the UK, but the exact remedy can depend on the cause of disruption, the length of delay and the operating carrier’s obligations. Keep receipts for meals, transport and accommodation if you are delayed, and avoid buying a replacement ticket without first asking the airline what it can provide.

Best Backup Routes

The most obvious alternatives are routings via Toronto and Montreal, both of which offer onward access to Ottawa by air, train, coach or car. Paris-Charles de Gaulle may also be useful for some European travellers because Ottawa has established transatlantic connectivity with France. Travellers near west or central London may compare options from Heathrow, but should weigh convenience against the time saved by a non-stop Gatwick service. If you are travelling for a conference or cruise-style group itinerary, ask your organiser whether they have preferred rerouting procedures before making independent changes.

Bottom Line for Travellers

Air Transat’s Gatwick–Ottawa launch is a practical win for travellers who want a more direct path between the UK and Canada’s capital. The service is especially useful for business events, incentive travel, family visits and leisure trips that would otherwise require a connection. The key limitation is frequency, because three weekly flights mean travellers need to plan dates carefully and keep backup options in mind. If the schedule fits, the route could significantly simplify travel between London, wider Europe and Ottawa during its 2026 seasonal window.