WestJet Cargo adds new winter routes to boost global trade

WestJet Cargo has officially unveiled its expanded 2025/2026 winter schedule, introducing five new destinations and boosting its presence across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen trade lanes for Canadian exporters and importers during the critical winter peak season, offering improved access to international markets and reinforcing the airline’s commitment to providing efficient, flexible, and reliable cargo solutions.

The updated schedule introduces service to Panama City (Panama), Guadalajara and Tepic (Mexico), Havana (Cuba), and Managua (Nicaragua). Additionally, Mexico City, a key trade hub, will now be served year-round, marking its first winter inclusion in the WestJet network. These new destinations are expected to create vital trade opportunities for Canadian businesses, facilitating smoother export flows to fast-growing economies and sunbelt regions.

Increased connectivity will also come through enhanced belly cargo capacity on new and existing passenger routes. The network’s total departures will rise by three per cent, supported by aircraft formerly operated by Sunwing and Swoop, which are being reconfigured for WestJet’s cargo-optimized layout. These upgrades are designed to streamline cargo handling processes, maintaining high standards of service reliability and quality.

WestJet Cargo will now serve 305 routes, including 62 destinations across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. A six per cent increase in cargo capacity for high-demand markets such as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico underscores the company’s focus on enabling Canadian shippers to tap into growing trade volumes in the region.

“By strengthening our cargo network and investing in key routes, we are enabling Canadian businesses to grow and thrive,” said Amanda Ierfino, Vice President Sales & Cargo. “This expansion is a direct response to our customers’ evolving logistics needs.”