WestJet Encore begins non-stop Edmonton-Nanaimo service

New non-stop to Nanaimo part of a major Edmonton-based expansion and over 70 more regional flights

(Edmonton, AB) – WestJet today began its inaugural non-stop service to Nanaimo, part of its expanded regional service from EIA. WestJet has added over 70 additional Edmonton flights per week to Abbotsford, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, Grande Prairie and Calgary. 

The new non-stop flight between Nanaimo Airport and Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is operated by WestJet Encore. The daily flight leaves Edmonton at 12:45 pm and arrives in Nanaimo at 1:51 pm. The Edmonton-bound flight leaves Nanaimo at 2:25 pm and arrives in Edmonton at 5:12 pm.   

“Edmonton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and these important schedule improvements will support that growth. These enhancements cover a broad range of areas including key business and leisure routes, greater flexibility for business travellers who want same-day return trips, and more choices for people looking for vacation opportunities,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development.

“There are strong connections between the Edmonton and Nanaimo regions, with many people travelling each way. Nanaimo is a wonderful vacation spot and Edmonton is a great destination for shopping and recreation.  Edmonton is a key gateway for Nanaimo residents, such as workers commuting to northern Alberta and northern Canada,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.

“This new flight from Edmonton to Nanaimo offers visitors easy, year-round access to great experiences such as wine tasting, fishing, outdoor adventure, and golfing, not just in Nanaimo, but across Vancouver Island. From the Gulf Islands to Tofino, from Cowichan Valley to Port Hardy. Nanaimo is a gateway to many outstanding travel destinations,” said Heather McEachen, Tourism Vancouver Island Trade and Media Manager.

Details of WestJet’s new route between Edmonton and Nanaimo:

Details of WestJet’s additional flights from Edmonton:

About WestJet

WestJet is proud to be Canada’s most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country’s top employers. We offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet’s extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

About Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton International Airport is a self-funded, not-for-profit corporation whose mandate is to drive economic prosperity for the Edmonton Region. EIA is Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the past 10 years, the fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area. EIA offers non-stop connections to 60 destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.

About Nanaimo Airport (YCD)

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a 10-minute drive south of downtown Nanaimo on 224 hectares (550 acres), which includes the nearby Cottonwood Golf Course. YCD is a not-for-profit authority owned by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Vancouver Island’s third largest airport, Nanaimo Airport serves a primary central Vancouver Island area with a total population base of approximately 250,000. The YCD service area extends north from Nanaimo to Qualicum, west to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and south to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. YCD is ideally situated as the most convenient departure/arrival point for customers from the mid-Island area.