WestJet Adds Puerto Escondido to Its Winter 2025 Schedule

(PUERTO ESCONDIDO) WestJet will add Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca (PXM) to its map this winter with new non-stop flights from Calgary (YYC) starting December 12, 2025, a move the airline announced on August 25. The service will run once per week through the winter 2025–2026 season and marks the first time Puerto Escondido appears in WestJet’s network.

With this launch, WestJet’s roster of non-stop Mexico routes from Calgary rises to 15 for the coming winter, widening options for Canadians who want a direct beach escape without a connection in Mexico City or other hubs.

Booking, Schedule, and Season Window

WestJet says bookings are now available and notes the specific day of operation will be shown in the booking flow as schedules finalize. Key schedule details:

• Launch date: December 12, 2025
• Frequency: Once weekly
• Seasonal window: December 2025 to March/April 2026 (exact end date depends on demand and later schedule updates)
• Tickets: On sale now via WestJet’s official channels

The airline frames Puerto Escondido as a “hidden gem” that blends surf, beaches, and local culture—an alternative to large resort corridors. Oaxaca’s regional tourism officials expect new spending at hotels, small businesses, and tour operators once weekly flights begin.

Passenger Benefits and Network Strategy

A direct link between Calgary and Puerto Escondido:

• Cuts hours off travel time for those used to long layovers
• Removes risks tied to missed connections
• Serves niche beach towns popular with surfers, eco-minded visitors, and families preferring smaller towns over mega-resorts

Aviation analysts say these point-to-point leisure routes perform well in winter when Canadians seek sunshine and airlines want reliable leisure demand. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, adding secondary Mexican destinations non-stop is a key strategy for Canadian carriers to lock in winter travel revenue while simplifying itineraries.

WestJet’s timing—launching on December 12—targets peak holiday travel and Canada’s coldest months, when Mexico demand is most steady. Starting with weekly service lets the airline measure bookings, yields, and on-time performance during the busiest months; frequency could grow if load factors and fares are strong.

Local Economic and Community Impact

Local businesses are preparing for more Canadian visitors:

• Hotels and tour companies expect earlier and firmer bookings.
• WestJet Vacations is already selling packages to properties such as Posada Real Puerto Escondido.
• Restaurants, surf schools, and small operators expect a winter bump from a reliable pipeline of weekly arrivals.

Oaxaca’s tourism authorities have coordinated joint marketing plans with WestJet aimed at Canadian cities. Campaigns will highlight Puerto Escondido’s strengths:

• Consistent Pacific surf
• Low-key beach neighborhoods
• Seafood and Oaxacan cuisine
• Authentic local pace attractive to travelers seeking something different from big resorts

Weekly arrivals can help local businesses staff predictably and reduce the daily strain that larger airports or daily flights might create.

Route Details and Operational Rationale

WestJet describes the route structure clearly:

• Route: Calgary (YYC) – Puerto Escondido (PXM) (non-stop)
• Start: December 12, 2025
• Frequency: Once per week
• Season: Winter 2025–2026 (December through March/April, subject to demand)
• Network impact: Brings Calgary’s non-stop Mexico count to 15

Operationally, a weekly cadence suits leisure travelers who typically stay 7–10 days, concentrates demand on one flight (helpful for load factors), and reduces mid-week peaks that may not be supported initially. Calgary’s consolidated Mexico operations also simplify crew planning, maintenance rotation, and aircraft scheduling.

Practical Travel Benefits by Segment

• Surfers: fewer handoffs for boards and direct access to Playa Zicatela, La Punta, and Carrizalillo.
• Families: shorter travel days, fewer connections, easier alignment with school breaks.
• Older travelers: calmer, single-hop journeys.
• Small businesses: predictable arrival day anchors staffing and inventory planning.

Airport and Operations Considerations

• Puerto Escondido’s airport (PXM) has been expanding and modernizing to support more visitors.
• Shorter taxi times at smaller airports can improve on-time performance—important for weekly flights.
• Calgary has de-icing and ground handling capacity to support winter Mexico flights.
• Because the day of operation will appear in booking flows, match accommodation dates to flight days to avoid extra nights.

Booking and Travel Steps

WestJet’s guidance to customers:

1. Go to WestJet’s official site or app and search flights between Calgary (YYC) and Puerto Escondido (PXM) for dates on or after December 12, 2025.
2. Check the calendar to see which day of the week the flight operates for your dates.
3. Compare fares and review details for baggage, seat selection, and change rules before purchase.
4. Complete payment and save your confirmation.
5. If you prefer a package, check WestJet Vacations for bundles including hotels and transfers.
6. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and bring any required entry documents. The Government of Canada’s Mexico page explains current rules: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
7. On travel day, arrive early at Calgary International Airport, especially if checking a surfboard or extra bags.

WestJet emphasizes that seats, fares, and schedules can change due to demand or operational needs. Travelers should monitor reservations and enable app notifications for updates.

Community and Responsible Tourism

Local leaders stress respectful tourism:

• Heed local beach warnings and flag systems. Zicatela can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
• Use licensed surf schools and reputable tour operators.
• Avoid leaving trash, reduce single-use plastics, and choose tours that treat wildlife responsibly.
• Carry small bills for tipping in taxis, markets, and street food.

Tourism activities that spread economic benefits:

• Birdwatching and lagoon activities
• Licensed baby turtle releases
• Cultural day trips inland

Even a weekly flight generates hundreds of meals, rides, tours, and nights in local rooms—meaningful for small-business-driven economies.

Pricing, Flexibility, and Booking Strategy

• Winter Mexico fares move with school breaks and holidays—book early if you need a specific week.
• Check fare rules and consider change protection for flexibility.
• Confirm baggage fees for sports gear like surfboards and note size/weight limits.
• Price the full trip (airfare, hotel, transfers, activities) before finalizing dates.
• Set alerts in case WestJet adds seats or adjusts schedules.

From the airline perspective, weekly service concentrates demand and makes it easier to add frequency later if the market is stronger than expected.

Key Facts at a Glance

Looking Ahead

WestJet will monitor bookings closely and may adjust the seasonal length or schedule based on demand. Oaxaca’s tourism board plans Canadian marketing pushes this fall to coincide with winter booking windows.

If the route performs well, the template—weekly winter non-stop flights from Calgary to smaller Mexican beach towns—could be replicated for other destinations in future seasons.

For now, the focus is on a clean launch: clear schedules, reliable operations, and traveler support. The new weekly non-stop offers Canadians a direct path to Puerto Escondido, cuts travel time, lowers stress, and supports a local economy built on small, independent businesses.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Check passport validity and Mexico entry rules: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
• Measure and review WestJet’s sports equipment policy if bringing a surfboard.
• Book airport transfers in Puerto Escondido in advance when possible.
• Consider travel insurance covering medical care and flight changes.
• For families, align accommodation check-in/out with the weekly flight day.
• Reserve dining and activities during peak weeks, but leave time to discover small local spots.

The bottom line: a weekly non-stop from Calgary to Puerto Escondido gives Canadians a direct path to one of Mexico’s most talked-about beach towns — a single hop that shortens travel time, reduces stress, and supports local businesses, while offering WestJet a precise bet on winter demand and travelers who want something beyond big resorts.