New London Gatwick route strengthens Ottawa’s European connectivity for international business events

Ottawa Tourism is celebrating the launch of Air Transat’s new non-stop service between London Gatwick and Ottawa, further strengthening access between Europe and Canada’s capital for association, corporate and incentive event organisers. 

The seasonal route will operate three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays until 23 October 2026. It adds a third transatlantic connection from Ottawa International Airport, building on Air France’s non-stop service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Ottawa, and Air Canada’s direct service between London Heathrow and Ottawa. 

For international business events, the new Gatwick service represents another significant step forward in Ottawa’s growing global accessibility. It provides event delegates, speakers, exhibitors and organisers with increased choice from the UK, Ottawa’s largest overseas inbound market, while also opening further connections across Europe, Canada’s second largest overseas market. 

The route is particularly well timed as Canada continues to see growing interest from international associations and event planners, supported by increased national investment in the business events sector. In April 2026, the Government of Canada announced a further $15 million over three years for the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), administered by Destination Canada, to help Canadian destinations attract major international conferences and conventions. 

Since its launch, ICAF has helped Canadian destinations secure 116 major international events expected to attract more than 324,000 attendees and generate over $803 million in direct economic impact. For Ottawa, the combination of stronger air access, national bid support and sector-led destination development is creating a powerful platform for future international event growth. 

“Ottawa’s international connectivity has taken another major step forward with the launch of Air Transat’s London Gatwick service,” said Stephanie Seguin, Vice President, Business and Major Events at Ottawa Tourism. “For business events, direct air access is not simply a logistical advantage; it is a key part of the decision-making process for organisers choosing where to place their next international congress, conference or corporate meeting.” 

“This new route gives UK and European delegates greater choice and convenience, while reinforcing Ottawa’s position as a capital city that can welcome global audiences with ease. It also comes at a moment when Canada is investing with real confidence in the long-term value of international business events. Through programmes such as ICAF, destinations like Ottawa have the tools, partnerships and national support needed to compete for high-value events on the world stage.” 

The new Gatwick service also supports Ottawa’s wider appeal as a connected, compact and collaborative destination for international meetings. Delegates arriving in the city benefit from short transfer times, a walkable downtown, a strong hotel offer and a central convention district anchored by the Rogers Centre Ottawa. The city’s event infrastructure is further supported by a wide range of special event venues, national museums, galleries, restaurants, outdoor spaces and experiences that reflect Ottawa’s status as Canada’s capital. 

Ottawa’s business events proposition is also increasingly aligned with global association priorities, particularly across sectors including life sciences, technology, sustainability, defence and security, public policy, research and innovation. These strengths allow organisers to connect their conference programmes with local expertise, government, academia, industry and national institutions. 

Stephanie Seguin continued: “The launch of another direct European route is excellent news for organisers considering Ottawa for future international events. Air connectivity is central to delegate confidence, programme planning and attendance growth, particularly for associations drawing participants from multiple markets. 

“London Gatwick gives us another important gateway into the UK and Europe, while complementing existing services through Paris and London Heathrow. Together, these routes make Ottawa more accessible than ever for international delegates and create new opportunities for organisers looking for a destination that combines capital-city influence, world-class event infrastructure and a welcoming Canadian experience.” 

The new route is operated by Air Transat using an Airbus A321LR aircraft, offering both Economy Class and Club Class cabins. 

Ottawa cityscape from the Andaz Hotel-Credit-James-Peltzer