# WestJet adds five Caribbean routes: what about Dominican Republic?

Canonical-URL: https://turismo.news/en/digest/westjet-new-routes-caribbean-winter
Text-Version: https://turismo.news/en/digest/westjet-new-routes-caribbean-winter.txt
Markdown-Version: https://turismo.news/en/digest/westjet-new-routes-caribbean-winter.md
Language: en
Published: 2026-07-20T19:47:03.264Z
Modified: 2026-07-20T19:47:03.264Z
Author: Joan Sanz
Topics: Airlines
Summary: WestJet unveiled its winter 2026-2027 schedule with five new routes to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. What’s in it for Dominican Republic? My take.

## Article

**WestJet** has rolled out its winter 2026-2027 schedule with five new non-stop international routes. The Canadian airline is strengthening its network from **Calgary** to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, as reported by [Suelo Caribe](https://suelocaribe.com/aeronavegacion/westjet-amplia-su-red-con-cinco-nuevas-rutas-a-mexico-centroamerica-y-el-caribe/).

One highlight is the Calgary-Mérida flight, the only direct connection between western Canada and that Mexican city. The other four routes cover various regional destinations, but **Dominican Republic is not on the list**. That stings: while the Caribbean expands its connectivity with western Canada, airports like Punta Cana, La Romana or Samaná are left out of this expansion.

Don’t read this as a crisis. It’s a **wake-up call** for MITUR and hoteliers: Canada is a high-spending outbound market, and if we are not in WestJet’s plan, we need to go out and negotiate. Regional competition is stepping up, and we must row. Dominican tourism has what it takes, but connectivity is won through active management.

## Sources

- Suelo Caribe: https://suelocaribe.com/aeronavegacion/westjet-amplia-su-red-con-cinco-nuevas-rutas-a-mexico-centroamerica-y-el-caribe/

## Citation

WestJet adds five Caribbean routes: what about Dominican Republic?. Turismo News. 2026-07-20. https://turismo.news/en/digest/westjet-new-routes-caribbean-winter