WestJet has announced a new nonstop route between Winnipeg, the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba, and Punta Cana, strengthening air connectivity between Canada and the Dominican Republic for the 2026–2027 winter season.
The new service will operate once a week, with the first flight scheduled for November 28, 2026. The airline also revealed a second weekly winter route linking Winnipeg with Belize City, Belize, beginning December 14, 2026.
Expanded Winter Travel Options
The addition of Punta Cana reflects continued demand for warm-weather destinations among Canadian travelers during the winter months. As the Dominican Republic’s leading resort destination, Punta Cana attracts millions of international visitors each year thanks to its beaches, all-inclusive resorts, golf courses, and direct international air connections.
The new route offers travelers from Manitoba a more convenient option to reach the Caribbean without connecting through larger Canadian airports, while also supporting the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector by improving access from a key source market.
Airport Authority Welcomes the New Service
Nick Hays, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winnipeg Airports Authority, welcomed the announcement, saying the organization is pleased to see WestJet providing even more opportunities for travelers seeking warm-weather destinations this winter.
“We are committed to offering more flights to destinations that matter to Manitobans, and we value WestJet’s partnership in providing greater connectivity through YWG Airport,” Hays said in a statement.
Canada Remains a Key Tourism Market
Canada continues to rank among the Dominican Republic’s most important international tourism markets. Additional nonstop flights from regional Canadian cities help diversify visitor arrivals while making travel to Punta Cana more accessible for vacationers across the country.
The launch of the Winnipeg service further strengthens the air links between Canada and the Dominican Republic ahead of the peak winter travel season, when demand for Caribbean vacations traditionally reaches its highest levels.