WestJet announces Halifax direct flights to Paris and London

Nova Scotians will be able to whisk away to Paris this year — and they won’t have to stop in Toronto first.

On Monday, WestJet announced daily direct flights to Paris and London from Halifax. It’s part of the airline’s 2018 summer schedule.

“We are, of course, aiming to make Halifax Canada’s Atlantic gateway, and to be Halifax’s Atlantic gateway airline,” said Ed Sims, WestJet executive vice-president of commercial.

The direct London flight will go to Gatwick Airport beginning April 29, with the London to Halifax flight starting the next day. Flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris start May 31. Direct return flights from Paris to Halifax start June 1.

The summer schedule ends Oct. 27. Afterwards, Nova Scotians will have to wait for next summer or travel through other cities.

Sims was in Halifax Monday for the official announcement at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and Minister of Business Geoff MacLellan took to the podium after Sims to laud the economic potential of the deal.

MacLellan mentioned the province’s Acadian roots and how flights would maintain cultural connections between France and Nova Scotia.

Savage made similar comments.

“This new direct flight across the pond is just a wonderful point of pride for our Halifax Stanfield International Airport,” Savage said.