WestJet Marks First Day of Operations at MSP Airport

WestJet launched its first-ever flights to and from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on Friday with non-stop service to Edmonton International Airport (YEG). 

WestJet became the 16th airline operating at MSP in 2023 when its first inbound flight from Edmonton, Alberta arrived shortly after 1 p.m. today. An hour later, the WestJet aircraft departed back to Edmonton following a gate-side ribbon-cutting celebration with travelers and stakeholders. 

“We’re pleased to welcome WestJet and to have another prominent international carrier serving MSP,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP. “This gives business and leisure travelers across the upper Midwest more convenient, direct access to Western Canada.”

WestJet is scheduled to launch a second route from MSP to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (YXE) on June 19. The addition of these two Canadian routes brings about a near full recovery of international service at MSP compared to 2019 levels. The routes were last served in the summer of 2020. 

“This is an important investment in our region and will help facilitate business connections and commerce on both ends of these flights,” said Rick King, Chair of the MAC. “The service is further enhanced by WestJet’s codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, MSP’s largest carrier, which offers flyers reciprocal airline benefits with either carrier.”
 
Launched in 1996, WestJet is the second-largest Canadian air carrier, flying to 110 destinations in 24 countries. It has a fleet of 180 aircraft, operating primarily Boeing Next Generation 737s (700/800) and the 737 Max aircraft. 

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the inaugural flights between Minneapolis and Edmonton today, unlocking another direct pathway that builds a meaningful connection between a key U.S. hub and WestJet’s home province of Alberta,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Commercial Development. “Through our new service connecting Minneapolis to Edmonton and Saskatoon beginning June 19, WestJet is doing our part to further enhance the economic success of the communities we serve through the implementation of strategic routes that serve to stimulate vital business and tourism opportunities.” 

WestJet is flying between MSP and Edmonton five times per week. Saskatoon flights will operate three times per week. WestJet is the only airline serving these destinations from MSP, which will support important business connections to Canada, Minnesota’s top export market.

“Our $18 billion trading relationship supports hundreds of thousands of Minnesota jobs, especially in key sectors like agriculture and energy,” said Ariel Delouya, Canada’s Consul General in Minneapolis. “The new routes to Edmonton and to Saskatoon will make travel easier and faster between Minnesota, the broader Midwest, and all of Western Canada, strengthening partnerships and opening new opportunities between people, communities and businesses.”

Airlines at MSP are scheduled to serve a total of 157 destinations (128 domestic and 29 international destinations) from MSP this year.