Porter Airlines launches new service to the Cayman Islands

August 5, 2025

The relaxed island lifestyle, white-sand beaches and enticing underwater exploration make the Cayman Islands a popular destination for vacationing Canadians.

In December, Porter Airlines launches two non-stop flight routes to the Western Caribbean island, including the first direct service between Ottawa and the Cayman Islands.

The Ottawa service begins on December 19, three days after the start of the Toronto service between Lester B. Pearson International Airport and Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman.

Two years ago, nearly 28,570 Canadians visited the Cayman Islands which marked a 44 percent increase from 2022.

In 2024, the islands welcomed 30,077 visitors which was a 5.3 percent increase from the previous year.

“Within the last year, we have also had seven record months,” said Raymond Mathias who is the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Business Development Manager-Canada. “The growth has continued in the first six months this year. The upward trend signals growing interest and confidence from Canadian travellers. The new Porter routes are expected to accelerate that momentum. It is the result of ongoing strategic efforts between our team at the tourism department and Porter Airlines to meet the growing demand from the Canadian market. We know Canadians value ease, comfort and reliability when they travel, and this partnership delivers that.”

Tourists can interact with dolphins and learn more about marine care at Dolphin Discovery (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Because of Porter Airlines’ commitment to a refined economy experience with elevated service that complements the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a premium and accessible destination, he said the fit is perfect.

“Their expansion into longer-haul sun destinations came at a time when Canadian demand for travel to the Cayman Islands was rising, making the partnership both timely and strategic,” said Mathias. “While we have engaged in conversations with various Canadian carriers over the years, Porter’s agility, service ethos and willingness to invest in new routes made them the ideal fit for this next chapter in Canadian travel to the Cayman Islands.”

Tourism is a major pillar of the Cayman Islands’ economy, accounting for almost 75 percent of the islands’ foreign currency earnings.

Since Canada is among the top two sources of international visitation to the islands, the increased airlift will contribute to the economic growth.

“With these additional routes, we anticipate a strong uplift in Canadian arrivals that will positively impact local businesses from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and transport services,” Mathias pointed out. “It also stands to fortify and strengthen employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the hospitality sector. Ultimately, improved Canadian connectivity drives a virtuous cycle of investment, visitation and long-term destination development.”

Raymond Mathias (Photo contributed)

Airlines choose travel routes based on several factors, including economic, operational, regulatory and customer demand.

Porter Airlines spokesperson Brad Cicero said the Cayman Islands represent a strong and growing demand market for Canadian travellers seeking a premium leisure destination.

“As we expand our network beyond Canada and the United States, we are focused on offering more choices for passengers, especially to destinations that are less reliant on traditional vacation packages and provide a wide range of travel experiences,” he said. “Grand Cayman aligns well with Porter’s distinct approach to service, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy our elevated economy experience to the beach.”

The state-of-the-art 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a two-by-two seat configuration with no middle seats, will be used to ferry passengers to the Cayman Islands.

The 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft (Photo contributed)

“Every passenger enjoys complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of premium Canadian snacks and free Wi-Fi that supports streaming personal entertainment,” Cicero said. “Travellers can choose our all-inclusive PorterReserve fares, offering fresh meals, extra legroom, two checked bags, flight flexibility and dedicated check-in or PorterClassic which includes the same high-quality snacks and beverages with the option to customize add-ons to suit individual needs.”

Mathias noted that the Cayman Islands offer an elevated Caribbean experience that Canadians will feel the moment they arrive on the island.

“Whether it is the pristine beaches, our celebrated culinary scene or world-class diving, the islands are ideal for those seeking both relaxation and barefoot refinement,” he added. “Canadians are often drawn to our crystal-clear waters and incredible marine life, making Stingray City, Seven Mile Beach plus snorkelling top experiences. Food lovers will discover why we are the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’ with everything from fine dining to local fish shacks. However, what sets us apart is the warmth of our people. Visitors don’t just take home photos, but they leave with memories of genuine Caymanian hospitality, cultural richness and a sense of ease that stays with them long after their return.

“…The Cayman Islands and Canada share a strong longstanding relationship, not only through tourism, but also our shared British roots and the cultural sensitivities that are imbued in our people. That makes Cayman a natural and comfortable choice for Canadian visitors along with the fact that this cultural foundation has led to many Canadian expats choosing Cayman as their home or home away from home. These new flights only serve to strengthen those ties.”

Founded in 1984 by Jamaican-born Robert Hamaty, who died in 2020, and his wife Carlene, Tortuga Rum Company is a popular stop for tourists (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

As a member of Earl Wong’s Trinstars band that toured the Cayman Islands in 1986 for the annual 10-day Pirates Week festival, Earl LaPierre Sr. fell in love with the British Overseas Territory.

Earl LaPierre Sr. teaches pan music in the Cayman Islands (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

He has resided in the Cayman Islands for nearly four decades.

“When I went there the first time, country western music and a little bit of reggae dominated the music scene,” said LaPierre who teaches pan at University College of the Cayman Islands and at four high schools. “When I played pan there on my first visit, everyone was intrigued and I did a five-day workshop. At the end, the government invited me to come back and work. I told them I was employed at the University of Toronto and they said they would match what I was making there. They provided me with a condo and a car in addition to a job. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching and living on an island that is clean, safe and just a great space to raise families.”

Last June, Porter Airlines announced its first flights to sun destinations Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean this winter.

“There are many new destinations under consideration as our fleet grows in the coming years,” said Cicero. “We are launching 13 routes to five destinations this winter, making up 10 percent of our network. This is a great start for service in the region and we will continue flying to destinations where our passengers want to travel.”