CALGARY- WestJet’s (WS) research of the top 20 busiest routes in Canada shows substantial market changes, with domestic and international routes performing differently through Q3 2024.
The AvBench data reveals both obstacles and potential for the airline’s network plan, especially in its western Canadian stronghold.
20 Busiest Routes of WestJet
The airline maintains significant market share positions of more than 90% in markets such as Kelowna-Calgary (90%) and Regina-Calgary (99%), although large transcontinental routes face increased competition.
The table below shows WestJet’s (WS) top 20 busiest routes by passenger carried:
| Rank | Route | Total Passengers | Market Share | WestJet Passengers Carried | YoY Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver-Calgary | 581,000 | 50% | 290,500 | 4.9% |
| 2 | Kelowna-Calgary | 270,000 | 90% | 243,000 | 27.3% |
| 3 | Calgary-Victoria | 260,000 | 89% | 231,400 | 23.1% |
| 4 | Toronto-Calgary | 509,000 | 37% | 188,330 | 0.7% |
| 5 | Winnipeg-Calgary | 248,000 | 78% | 193,440 | 16.3% |
| 6 | Edmonton-Vancouver | 244,000 | 40% | 97,600 | -1.3% |
| 7 | Regina-Calgary | 151,000 | 99% | 149,490 | 6.4% |
| 8 | Saskatoon-Calgary | 163,000 | 98% | 159,740 | 10.9% |
| 9 | Edmonton-Winnipeg | 147,000 | 85% | 124,950 | 18.4% |
| 10 | Edmonton-Toronto | 243,000 | 30% | 72,900 | 6.5% |
| 11 | Edmonton-Kelowna | 150,000 | 64% | 96,000 | 9.9% |
| 12 | Cancun-Calgary | 150,000 | 68% | 102,000 | 8.7% |
| 13 | Las Vegas-Calgary | 148,000 | 61% | 90,280 | 6.3% |
| 14 | Edmonton-Calgary | 143,000 | 59% | 84,370 | -4.3% |
| 15 | Abbotsford-Calgary | 148,000 | 51% | 75,480 | 5.0% |
| 16 | Toronto-Vancouver | 338,000 | 21% | 70,980 | 0.7% |
| 17 | Cancun-Toronto | 218,000 | 22% | 47,960 | 6.7% |
| 18 | Toronto-Winnipeg | 193,000 | 28% | 54,040 | 0.8% |
| 19 | Punta Cana-Toronto | 184,000 | 24% | 44,160 | 13.5% |
| 20 | Orlando-Toronto | 149,000 | 22% | 32,780 | 6.6% |
1. Vancouver (YVR) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 581,000
- Market Share: 50%
- WestJet Passengers: 290,500
- YoY Growth Rate: 4.9%
This flagship route highlights WestJet’s strong presence in the Western Canada sector, carrying approximately 300,000 passengers despite fierce rivalry from Air Canada (AC).
The balanced market share shows a healthy competitive environment, while the positive growth rate signals long-term demand.
The route benefits from both business and leisure traffic, connecting two significant economic centers while also acting as an important connecting point for international travelers passing via both cities.
2. Kelowna (YLW) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 270,000
- Market Share: 90%
- WestJet Passengers: 243,000
- YoY Growth Rate: 27.3%
WestJet’s near-monopoly on this route demonstrates its dominance in regional Western Canadian markets, with impressive year-over-year growth demonstrating high demand and effective capacity management.
The route’s success is fueled by both leisure travel to the Okanagan Valley and business connections through Calgary’s hub, showcasing WestJet’s ability to service several market segments efficiently.
3. Calgary (YYC) – Victoria (YYJ)
- Passenger Volume: 260,000
- Market Share: 89%
- WestJet Passengers: 231,400
- YoY Growth Rate: 23.1%
Another example of WestJet’s regional prowess, this route has had outstanding growth while maintaining a strong market share.
The high passenger traffic demonstrates strong demand between Alberta’s biggest city and British Columbia’s capital.
The remarkable growth rate indicates successful capacity development and high market acceptance of WestJet’s service offering on this route.
4. Toronto (YYZ) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 509,000
- Market Share: 37%
- WestJet Passengers: 188,330
- YoY Growth Rate: 0.7%
This key transcontinental route confronts severe rivalry from Air Canada (AC), as seen by the lower market share despite a high overall passenger volume.
The modest growth rate indicates a mature market with established competitive dynamics. The route is a critical east-west link in WestJet’s network, connecting the Calgary hub to Toronto, Canada’s largest city and financial center.
5. Winnipeg (YWG) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 248,000
- Market Share: 78%
- WestJet Passengers: 193,440
- YoY Growth Rate: 16.3%
WestJet’s significant presence in this prairie corridor is evidenced by its high market share and steady growth rate.
The route benefits from both point-to-point traffic and connections via Calgary. The significant growth rate shows successful market stimulation and maybe increased market share from competitors.
6. Edmonton (YEG) – Vancouver (YVR)
- Passenger Volume: 244,000
- Market Share: 40%
- WestJet Passengers: 97,600
- YoY Growth Rate: -1.3%
This competitive route demonstrates WestJet’s continued presence despite stiff competition from Air Canada (AC) and Flair Airlines (F8). The negative growth rate shows that ultra-low-cost carriers are putting pressure on market share.
The route serves both the corporate and leisure markets, linking Alberta’s capital to Canada’s Pacific gateway.
7. Regina (YQR) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 151,000
- Market Share: 99%
- WestJet Passengers: 149,490
- YoY Growth Rate: 6.4%
WestJet’s virtual monopoly on this route highlights its unrivalled superiority in connecting secondary prairie markets. The solid growth rate implies that the market is still strong and that capacity is being managed well.
The route’s performance demonstrates WestJet’s ability to serve smaller areas effectively while being profitable.
8. Saskatoon (YXE) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 163,000
- Market Share: 98%
- WestJet Passengers: 159,740
- YoY Growth Rate: 10.9%
Like Regina, this route demonstrates WestJet’s dominance in Saskatchewan markets. The rapid growth rate indicates successful market development and maybe increased frequency or capacity.
The high market share demonstrates strong brand preference and successful market competition.
9. Edmonton (YEG) – Winnipeg (YWG)
- Passenger Volume: 147,000
- Market Share: 85%
- WestJet Passengers: 124,950
- YoY Growth Rate: 18.4%
This prairie corridor route exemplifies WestJet’s expertise in connecting important prairie communities. The significant growth rate points to successful market stimulation and maybe future frequency additions.
High market share suggests a strong competitive position and good network planning for serving these areas.
10. Edmonton (YEG) – Toronto (YYZ)
- Passenger Volume: 243,000
- Market Share: 30%
- WestJet Passengers: 72,900
- YoY Growth Rate: 6.5%
Air Canada and emerging ultra-low-cost carriers will compete heavily on this transcontinental route. The low market share shows the competitiveness of city-pair markets.
The positive growth rate indicates some success in gaining market share, potentially through effective scheduling and pricing measures.
11. Edmonton (YEG) – Kelowna (YLW)
- Passenger Volume: 150,000
- Market Share: 64%
- WestJet Passengers: 96,000
- YoY Growth Rate: 9.9%
WestJet retains a strong foothold on this leisure route, which connects Alberta to British Columbia’s wine country.
The healthy growth rate shows that market stimulation was successful, and seasonal capacity may have expanded. The route receives both leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic, with significant seasonal peaks.
12. Cancun (CUN) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 150,000
- Market Share: 68%
- WestJet Passengers: 102,000
- YoY Growth Rate: 8.7%
This international leisure route highlights WestJet’s ability to connect Western Canada with sun locations.
The large market share implies successful rivalry with both Canadian and Mexican carriers. The robust growth rate indicates good capacity management and high leisure market demand.
13. Las Vegas (LAS) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 148,000
- Market Share: 61%
- WestJet Passengers: 90,280
- YoY Growth Rate: 6.3%
Another excellent international leisure route demonstrates WestJet’s ability to compete effectively in the United States market. The decent market share reflects solid positioning against both Canadian and American carriers.
The positive growth rate suggests that leisure travel demand will remain strong and that market stimulation strategies will be effective.
14. Edmonton (YEG) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 143,000
- Market Share: 59%
- WestJet Passengers: 84,370
- YoY Growth Rate: -4.3%
This short-haul route competes with both air and land transit options. The negative growth rate could be due to increased competition from ultra-low-cost carriers or shifts in consumer behavior.
Despite local market issues, the route remains vital in terms of network connectivity.
15. Abbotsford (YXX) – Calgary (YYC)
- Passenger Volume: 148,000
- Market Share: 51%
- WestJet Passengers: 75,480
- YoY Growth Rate: 5.0%
This route serves as an alternative entryway to the Vancouver market while also meeting local Fraser Valley demand.
The market share is balanced, reflecting competition from ultra-low-cost carriers. Positive growth rates indicate successful market development and good positioning against low-cost competitors.
16. Toronto (YYZ) – Vancouver (YVR)
- Passenger Volume: 338,000
- Market Share: 21%
- WestJet Passengers: 70,980
- YoY Growth Rate: 0.7%
This large transcontinental route is very competitive with numerous carriers. The lower market share indicates the extremely competitive nature of this premium route.
The sluggish growth rate shows that in this competitive sector, yield control takes precedence over market share expansion.
17. Cancun (CUN) – Toronto (YYZ)
- Passenger Volume: 218,000
- Market Share: 22%
- WestJet Passengers: 47,960
- YoY Growth Rate: 6.7%
Air Canada and vacation operators compete heavily on this competitive leisure route. The reduced market share shows fierce rivalry in the Toronto-Caribbean sector.
The positive growth rate suggests that the company has successfully positioned itself in the market despite competition.
18. Toronto (YYZ) – Winnipeg (YWG)
- Passenger Volume: 193,000
- Market Share: 28%
- WestJet Passengers: 54,040
- YoY Growth Rate: 0.8%
This route connects Canada’s largest metropolis and a key prairie region. The moderate market share reflects fierce rivalry from Air Canada and new airlines.
The modest growth rate indicates a stable but highly competitive market environment.
19. Punta Cana (PUJ) – Toronto (YYZ)
- Passenger Volume: 184,000
- Market Share: 24%
- WestJet Passengers: 44,160
- YoY Growth Rate: 13.5%
Despite fierce competition, this Caribbean leisure route is growing rapidly. The lower market share reflects the presence of several leisure carriers in the Toronto market.
The significant growth rate points to successful market stimulation and maybe greater seasonal capacity.
20. Orlando (MCO) – Toronto (YYZ)
- Passenger Volume: 149,000
- Market Share: 22%
- WestJet Passengers: 32,780
- YoY Growth Rate: 6.6%
This leisure route faces competition from both Canadian and American carriers. The decreased market share indicates the intense competition in the Toronto-Florida market.
The favorable growth rate suggests excellent market positioning and potentially a greater emphasis on leisure traffic development.
Market Performance Analysis
The Western Canadian routes appear as WestJet’s stronghold, with eight of the top 20 routes holding market shares of more than 60%.
The Kelowna-Calgary and Calgary-Victoria routes have had significant year-over-year growth of 27.3% and 23.1%, respectively, suggesting strong market penetration and service optimization in these areas.
Major east-west routes provide a more problematic picture, with Toronto-Calgary, the second-busiest route with 509,000 passengers, accounting for 37% of the market and growing at a sluggish 0.7% per year.
Despite having the largest volume at 581,000 passengers, the Vancouver-Calgary route had a 3.0% loss in the last quarter while maintaining a 50% market share.
International Route Performance
The leisure-focused international routes display varying performance levels:
- Cancun-Toronto maintains steady growth with a 6.7% year-on-year rise.
- Punta Cana-Toronto exhibits strong performance, with 13.5% growth.
- Las Vegas-Calgary confronts headwinds with a 6.4% quarterly fall amid solid annual growth.
WestJet’s network strategy looks to be centered on strengthening its presence in Western Canada while maintaining critical positions in competitive transcontinental markets.
The airline’s ability to maintain strong market shares on regional routes while competing in major markets exemplifies a balanced approach to network expansion.
FAQ
Which are WestJet’s busiest routes in 2025?
WestJet’s busiest routes in 2025 include flights between Calgary and Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, and Toronto to Edmonton, reflecting strong domestic demand.
Does WestJet operate international busy routes?
Yes, some of WestJet’s busiest international routes include flights to destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, such as Calgary to Las Vegas and Toronto to Cancun.
What factors make a route busy for WestJet?
Factors include high passenger demand, frequent business or leisure travel, and strategic connectivity through WestJet’s hub airports like Calgary and Toronto.
Are WestJet’s busiest routes mostly domestic or international?
The majority of WestJet’s busiest routes are domestic, particularly connecting major Canadian cities like Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Has WestJet added any new busy routes recently?
WestJet has expanded its network in recent years, adding routes to popular destinations in the U.S. and Europe, with increased frequency on high-demand routes.
