Porter Airlines, 132-seat Embraer. Supplied image
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — Porter Airlines is pushing back the launch of its new nonstop route between Fort McMurray and Ottawa until spring 2026.
The airline had originally planned to begin service on Nov. 17, 2025, with three weekly roundtrips year-round using 132-seat Embraer aircraft. Fort McMurray International Airport says the new route is still coming, but network adjustments by Porter this winter prompted a short delay.
The service will make Porter the only carrier offering direct flights between the two cities, with connections available through Ottawa to Halifax, St. John’s, Moncton and Toronto.
“Porter is the only airline providing service between Ottawa and Fort McMurray,” Andrew Pierce, the company’s vice-president of network planning, said when the route was first announced. “As the latest addition to our network, Fort McMurray is gaining valuable new air service to support its position as a key economic centre and leisure travel destination.”
Denean Robinson, president and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, says the community has been eager to see Porter enter the market and the route will provide more choice and flexibility for travellers.
The flights will be operated on Porter’s new Embraer E195-E2 jets, which feature no middle seats, free premium snacks, complimentary beer and wine, and fast Wi-Fi.
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