Porter Airlines Adds New Routes to Caribbean, Mexico & Costa Rica

Porter Airlines has announced a major expansion of its flight network, introducing new routes to several sought-after destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica. This move is aimed at catering to the growing demand for leisure travel and providing more convenient options for travelers seeking sun-soaked getaways. The airline’s expanded service marks a significant step in strengthening its presence in the international travel market and enhancing connectivity for its passengers during peak vacation seasons.

Porter Airlines is set to launch its first-ever flights to tropical winter getaways in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica beginning in November. Passengers will have access to five new destinations across 13 routes, with flights departing from three major Canadian airports. A significant portion of these flights, 23 weekly departures, will originate from Toronto Pearson International Airport, showcasing the airline’s growing presence beyond its long-standing operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport.

This marks Porter’s inaugural venture into markets beyond Canada and the United States. These flights will be operated using the airline’s expanding fleet of Embraer 195-E2 jets, each seating 132 passengers. These aircraft, with a flight range of 3,000 nautical miles, are well-equipped to serve destinations throughout the Caribbean and Central America. Porter’s fleet currently includes 44 of these jets, with 31 more scheduled for delivery and options to purchase an additional 25.

Among the new sun-soaked destinations are Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, Grand Cayman, and Liberia in Costa Rica. These routes will be served from both Toronto Pearson and Ottawa, while Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Nassau will also be added to Porter's expanding offerings from Hamilton. The majority of the flights will begin in December, although the high-demand Toronto - Cancun route will kick off daily service starting November 5, joining several other Canadian carriers already flying this route. Following this, service from Toronto to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau will also commence, adding more variety for travelers.

Although Porter will face stiff competition on its Toronto-based routes, it will hold a unique position on other legs. It will be the only airline flying from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, and the exclusive carrier from Hamilton to both Puerto Vallarta and Nassau. Porter’s commitment to Hamilton Airport is notable, especially given the past instability in route offerings by other carriers. The airline now leads operations at the airport, also flying to destinations such as Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver.

These developments represent a pivotal shift for Porter, which began as a regional airline flying turboprops less than two decades ago. Its recent growth includes establishing a hub in Ottawa where it currently leads in route volume and its entrance into Toronto Pearson in 2022. Until now, Porter’s only international presence was in the United States, making this expansion a major milestone.

During the route announcement, Porter’s president Kevin Jackson emphasized the significance of entering new international markets and offering travelers a broader range of experiences. He noted that these destinations mark a bold step in the airline’s mission to deliver high-quality service to more parts of the world, especially for economy passengers.

This expansion comes amid a notable decline in U.S. Canada air travel, reportedly down 70% year-over-year due to geopolitical strains. In response, Porter has scaled back some U.S. services and is shifting its capacity toward other international destinations, reflecting a strategic pivot.

Onboard, Porter continues to stand out by offering passengers an enhanced economy experience. Travelers can enjoy complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine served in real glassware, and free high-speed Wi-Fi capable of supporting multiple devices. The cabin features a 2-by-2 layout with no middle seats, and its Porter Reserve option gives passengers extra legroom, priority services, checked baggage, and fresh meals on longer flights providing added comfort for those seeking value and convenience.

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Source: simpleflying‍