WestJet is planning to open a new link between Canada and The Netherlands, with a route Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
The new service will operate through the airline’s 2025 summer schedule, with up to six times weekly service beginning 29th May 2025.
This will be the first time WestJet operates between Amsterdam and Halifax, contributing to a 97 per cent increase in the airline’s transatlantic seat capacity from Nova Scotia, compared to last year.
WestJet will operate a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on this route to support the operation.
In 2025, the airline will fly to more transatlantic destinations from Halifax than ever before, offering service to Paris, London, Dublin, Edinburgh and now Amsterdam. For those needing to travel beyond Amsterdam, WestJet shares a codeshare agreement with KLM, allowing connections for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic with the convenience of a single check-in experience, through checked baggage and the ability to interact with WestJet Rewards throughout.
In Quotes
Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet said:
“WestJet’s new service between Halifax and Amsterdam opens the door for record growth in Nova Scotia through vital investment that strengthens connectivity to Europe, furthering tourism and economic opportunities,”
“We’re excited to see the stories that will unfold as travellers from both regions connect and discover the unique charm of these vibrant cities.”
Patricia Vitalis, Executive Director of Operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol said:
“We are very pleased that WestJet will be resuming service at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and we look forward to welcoming the first flight on 30 May. Halifax is an exciting new destination at Schiphol and will be our sixth in Canada. The deployment of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft contributes to our policy to encourage airlines to operate their quietest and cleanest aircraft at Schiphol,”
Marie Manning, VP, of Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer, HIAA added
“We’re delighted to welcome WestJet’s new non-stop Halifax-Amsterdam service this summer, reconnecting our two cities by air for the first time in thirty years. The strong historical and business ties that exist between the two regions will be further strengthened with this new connection, offering our community exciting new travel opportunities and bringing more visitors to our beautiful region. This service also strengthens our partnership with WestJet and reflects their commitment to increased connectivity between Atlantic Canada and key international destinations,”
Thin and Long Connectivity
Building out connectivity is always a challenge – as there will be points that can’t be economically served with a widebody jet. This is where aircraft that can fly thin and long missions come into play.
Halifax to London Heathrow has long been served by Air Canada A319s and Boeing 737 MAX 8, so seeing WestJet adopt the type for these missions is not surprising.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 has a range of 3550 nautical miles (4000 miles) in its base configuration – well within the envelope of the 2652 nautical miles (3052 miles) between Halifax and Amsterdam.
This route will help provide connectivity for both inbound and outbound visitors to explore a different part of Canada (without the need to go to Toronto or Montreal and change for a domestic flight).
And allow people to explore.
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