WestJet is launching routes between Edinburgh Airport and the Canadian  cities of Toronto and Halifax, in addition to its service between the Scottish capital and Calgary.

Edinburgh Airport said the additional Canadian services would see it accommodate more flights to North America than ever before as it “continues to expand its transatlantic opportunities”.

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “WestJet’s decision to make Edinburgh Airport its home in Scotland is incredibly exciting, especially as they grow their presence in Scotland’s capital, and we look forward to working with them to make these routes a success.

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“The three cities offer vastly different things and it’s that rich history, the mix of cultures and stunning scenery that makes Canada one of the most exciting destinations anywhere in the world.”

He added: “By offering three Canadian destinations from Edinburgh, we will now be able to offer passengers our biggest ever North American programme for summer 2024 and we are confident people will grasp that opportunity to experience Canada and the USA.

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“The growth in transatlantic travel from Edinburgh shows the clear appetite there is for people from Scotland to travel there as well as that ongoing desire for people in North America to come to Scotland. We have a fantastic offering and should continue to do all we can to make it a success.”

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The flights between Edinburgh Airport and Halifax will operate between June 20 and September 4, and will run three times each week in both directions. The flights between the Scottish capital and Toronto will operate between May 14 and October 13, and will be daily.

WestJet will operate the flights between Edinburgh Airport and Calgary between May 12 and October 26, four times a week in both directions.

Daniel Fajardo, vice-president of network and schedule planning at WestJet, said: “WestJet is proud to grow upon our valued partnership with Edinburgh...Airport.

“This [coming] summer, WestJet will offer non-stop service to Edinburgh from Calgary, Toronto and Halifax and we are confident this enhanced connectivity between Edinburgh and three major Canadian hubs will further strengthen the two-way business and tourism pipeline between Canada and Scotland.”