WestJet To Launch Regina Airport’s First Year-Round U.S. Transborder Route Since 2016

Canada’s WestJet will open service between Regina International Airport (YQR) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in 2024, giving YQR a year-round U.S. transborder route.

WestJet operates seasonal winter sun transborder routes from YQR, including flights to Las Vegas, Orlando and Phoenix, but the airport located in the western Canadian province of Saskatchewan has not had a year-round transborder route since 2016.

From April 28, WestJet will fly daily on the YQR-MSP route using a 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop aircraft.

“Since I arrived in Regina in 2018, the number one thing I heard from the community was their desire for YQR to once again have year-round, nonstop service to a major U.S. hub,” Regina Airport Authority CEO James Bogusz says in a statement. “We haven’t stopped working with WestJet since then, and we are thrilled that they have delivered on this for the community, bringing millions [of dollars] in economic impact and making it easier for the business community and residents to access the United States every day of the year.”

WestJet notes the route will be its second year-round service between Saskatchewan and MSP, with flights from Saskatoon to the Minnesota hub launched in June 2023.

WestJet Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs Jared Mikoch-Gerke says the carrier is “bringing vital year-round transborder connectivity” to YQR, adding: “Our newest investment in Regina will further support the economic growth of the region and unlock business and leisure travel opportunities.”

MSP has a codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, which has a hub at MSP. WestJet passengers will be able to connect at MSP to more than 70 destinations “one stop from Regina,” the airline says.