WestJet Reignites St. John’s–Dublin Route After 7 Years

Key Takeaways

• WestJet resumed St. John’s–Dublin non-stop flights on May 22, 2025, after seven years.
• The twice-weekly Boeing 737 MAX 8 flights last 4 hours 35 minutes, shortest route from Canada to Europe.
• Round-trip fares start at $283–$500 CAD, supporting tourism, local economies, and cultural ties.

WestJet’s Return to the Skies: St. John’s–Dublin Flights Resume After Seven Years

On May 22, 2025, WestJet officially resumed its non-stop flights between St. John’s and Dublin, marking a major milestone for travelers, businesses, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. This twice-weekly service, now the shortest transatlantic flight operated by a Canadian carrier, is more than just a convenient travel option—it’s a restored bridge between two regions with deep historical and cultural ties. The relaunch comes after a seven-year pause and is part of WestJet’s broader push to expand its transatlantic network for Summer 2025.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, local economies, and the future of transatlantic travel, while providing practical guidance for anyone interested in booking this route.

What’s New: Key Details of the St. John’s–Dublin Route

Who: WestJet, one of Canada’s leading airlines, is operating the route.

What: Non-stop flights between St. John’s, Newfoundland and Dublin, Ireland.

When: Service resumed on May 22, 2025, after being suspended in October 2018.

Where: Flights depart from St. John’s International Airport (YYT) and arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB).

Why: To meet strong demand for direct travel between Newfoundland and Ireland, boost tourism, and support economic growth.

How: Using a modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, configured with 174 seats in two classes.

Flight Schedule:
– St. John’s to Dublin (WS58): Departs 00:30, arrives 08:35 local time.
– Dublin to St. John’s (WS59): Departs 10:00 (Thursdays) or 10:10 (Tuesdays), arrives 11:39 or 11:49 local time.

Frequency: Twice weekly, every Tuesday and Thursday.

Flight Duration: 4 hours and 35 minutes—making it the shortest Canadian-European route.

Booking: Tickets are available now through WestJet’s official website, major travel agencies, and online platforms.

Fares: Round-trip fares start as low as $283–$500 CAD, depending on travel dates and booking channel.

Why This Route Matters: Stakeholder Perspectives

WestJet’s Strategic Move

John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, explained that the airline is committed to expanding transatlantic connectivity and meeting the changing needs of travelers. By bringing back the St. John’s–Dublin route, WestJet is not only responding to strong demand but also reinforcing its position in the competitive Canadian-European market.

Local Impact in Newfoundland

Dennis Hogan, CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority, described the route as a “restored link between two cities that truly feel connected.” The direct flight is expected to bring more visitors to Newfoundland, supporting local hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Hogan emphasized that this connection is vital for the region’s tourism and economic development.

Irish Tourism’s View

Sandra Moffatt, Director – Canada for Tourism Ireland, called the route a “seamless and efficient journey to Ireland.” She noted that there is strong demand for travel between Canada and Ireland, especially given the shared history and family connections. The direct flight makes it easier for Canadians to visit Ireland for vacations, family reunions, or business trips.

The Numbers: Quantitative Data and Trends

• Over 250,000 Canadians visited Ireland in 2024, showing strong interest in travel between the two countries.
• Flight duration is just 4 hours and 35 minutes, making it the fastest way for Canadians to reach Europe.
• Twice-weekly service gives travelers flexibility to plan short trips or longer stays.
• Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft offers 174 seats in two classes, providing comfort and choice.
• Round-trip fares start as low as $283–$500 CAD, making transatlantic travel more affordable.

Step-by-Step: How to Book and Prepare for Your Trip

If you’re thinking about taking advantage of this new route, here’s a simple guide to booking and preparing for your journey:

1. Search and Book: Visit WestJet’s official website or use a trusted travel agency or online platform like Expedia to search for flights between St. John’s and Dublin.
2. Select Dates: Choose from available Tuesdays and Thursdays for direct service.
3. Purchase Ticket: Complete your booking online. Compare prices across platforms to find the best deal, with round-trip fares starting at $283–$500 CAD.
4. Check Travel Requirements: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. If you’re not a Canadian or Irish citizen, check if you need a visa. The Government of Canada’s travel page provides up-to-date entry requirements for Ireland.
5. Arrive at Airport: Arrive at St. John’s International Airport at least two hours before departure for international check-in and security screening.
6. Board and Fly: Board the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for a smooth, direct flight to Dublin.

Why This Route Was Restored: Historical and Cultural Context

A Brief History

WestJet first launched the St. John’s–Dublin route in June 2014, marking its entry into European service. The route quickly became popular, especially among Newfoundlanders with Irish roots and Canadians looking for a quick way to reach Europe. However, in October 2018, WestJet suspended the route due to changes in market conditions and aircraft availability.

Persistent Demand

Despite the suspension, demand for direct travel between Newfoundland and Ireland remained strong. Many Newfoundlanders have Irish ancestry, and there are frequent family visits, heritage trips, and business exchanges. Tourism officials and local leaders pushed for the route’s return, arguing that it was essential for both regions.

The 2025 Relaunch

The return of the St. John’s–Dublin flight in May 2025 is part of WestJet’s larger strategy to expand its transatlantic offerings. The airline is also adding or resuming routes to Paris, London, and Amsterdam from other Canadian cities. The use of the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 makes these routes more sustainable and cost-effective.

What It Means for Travelers

Shorter, More Convenient Trips

The St. John’s–Dublin flight is now the fastest way for Canadians to reach Europe. With a block time of just 4 hours and 35 minutes, travelers can leave St. John’s after midnight and arrive in Dublin in time for breakfast. This is especially appealing for business travelers, families, and tourists who want to maximize their time abroad.

Lower Fares and More Choices

Direct competition and increased capacity have driven down fares, making transatlantic travel more accessible. With round-trip tickets starting at $283–$500 CAD, more people can afford to visit Ireland or explore Europe. The twice-weekly schedule also gives travelers flexibility to plan short getaways or longer vacations.

Easier Family and Heritage Visits

For many Newfoundlanders, the route is more than just a flight—it’s a lifeline to family and heritage. The direct connection makes it easier for people to visit relatives, attend family events, or explore their Irish roots. It also supports cultural exchange, with more Irish visitors coming to Newfoundland for festivals, music, and history.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Boost for Local Businesses

The return of the St. John’s–Dublin route is expected to bring more international visitors to Newfoundland, benefiting hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Local businesses are preparing for increased demand, especially during the busy summer travel season.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

More visitors mean more jobs in tourism, hospitality, and related industries. The route is projected to support local employment and generate new business opportunities. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, direct international flights often have a ripple effect, boosting spending and investment in the region.

Strengthening Ties Between Canada 🇨🇦 and Ireland 🇮🇪

The flight restores an important link between two regions with deep historical and cultural connections. It supports not only tourism but also business, education, and family ties. Both Canadian and Irish tourism boards see the route as a way to strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual understanding.

Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits?

• Travelers: Enjoy shorter, more affordable, and more convenient access to Ireland and Europe.
• Local Businesses: Expect increased patronage from international visitors, especially in hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors.
• Airline Industry: WestJet’s move is seen as a bold step in post-pandemic recovery and market expansion.
• Tourism Boards: View the route as a vehicle for strengthening tourism and economic ties.

Future Outlook: What’s Next?

Sustainability and Growth

The long-term success of the St. John’s–Dublin route depends on sustained passenger demand. Tourism officials encourage both Newfoundlanders and Irish travelers to use the service to ensure its continuation. If the route proves popular, WestJet may consider increasing frequency or adding new European destinations from St. John’s and other Eastern Canadian cities.

Broader Transatlantic Network

WestJet is also expanding direct flights from Toronto and Calgary to Dublin, and from St. John’s to Paris. This broader network gives Canadians more options for direct travel to Europe, making it easier to plan trips for business, leisure, or family reasons.

Encouraging More Travel

With competitive fares, modern aircraft, and convenient schedules, the St. John’s–Dublin route is expected to encourage more Canadians to visit Ireland and more Irish travelers to explore Newfoundland and Canada. This could lead to even stronger tourism and economic ties in the years ahead.

Practical Tips and Resources

• Booking: For the most current schedules, fares, and travel policies, visit WestJet’s official website.
• Airport Information: Check St. John’s International Airport and Dublin Airport for terminal details and travel updates.
• Travel Requirements: Review the Government of Canada’s travel page for Ireland for entry requirements, visa information, and safety tips.
• Tourism Information: Visit Tourism Ireland for ideas on what to see and do in Ireland.
• Customer Service: WestJet Reservations: 1-888-937-8538 (Canada/US).

Summary Table: WestJet St. John’s–Dublin Route (Summer 2025)

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The return of WestJet’s St. John’s–Dublin route is a win for travelers, local economies, and the broader Canadian-European relationship. Whether you’re planning a family visit, a heritage trip, or a business meeting, this direct flight offers a fast, affordable, and convenient way to cross the Atlantic. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the route’s success could lead to even more options for direct travel between Canada 🇨🇦 and Europe 🇪🇺 in the future.

If you’re ready to book your trip, start by checking WestJet’s official website for the latest schedules and fares. Make sure your travel documents are in order, and consider exploring both Newfoundland and Ireland to experience the best of both worlds. The sky’s the limit for this renewed connection—so pack your bags and get ready for a new chapter in transatlantic travel.

Learn Today

WestJet → A major Canadian airline operating flights within Canada and internationally.
Boeing 737 MAX 8 → A modern, fuel-efficient commercial aircraft with 174 seats, used for transatlantic flights.
Transatlantic Flight → A flight crossing the Atlantic Ocean, connecting North America and Europe.
Round-trip Fare → The price for a ticket allowing travel from origin to destination and back.
St. John’s International Airport → The main airport serving Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost city.

This Article in a Nutshell

WestJet’s St. John’s–Dublin route returns May 22, 2025, marking Canada’s shortest transatlantic flight. Twice-weekly service aids travel, economy, and culture by offering fast, affordable flights on a fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8. This route reconnects regions with historic ties and responds to strong transatlantic demand.
— By VisaVerge.com