WestJet-Saudia Pact Brings Saudi Arabia Closer to Canadian Travelers

New interline agreement opens up seamless travel between Canada and the Kingdom, signaling deeper aviation cooperation and broader ambitions on both sides.

WestJet just took a bold step toward going global—literally. The Calgary-based airline announced a new interline partnership with Saudia, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, giving Canadian passengers unprecedented access to the Gulf nation with just one ticket, one check-in, and a whole lot fewer headaches.

This isn’t just a techy backend deal. It’s a shift in strategy that opens up destinations like Jeddah and Riyadh to WestJet travelers flying out of Canada, mainly through connections in London-Heathrow, Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, and Toronto-Pearson. The move connects not just planes, but people and priorities—and it comes as travel demand between the West and the Middle East shows signs of a sharp rebound.

A Single Itinerary, Two Airlines, No Fuss

Here’s what the deal actually means: WestJet customers can now book a ticket that includes both a WestJet flight and a connecting Saudia leg. That ticket covers everything from boarding passes to baggage tags, making international travel—especially long-haul—far less stressful.

One paragraph. One sentence. That’s how easy it’s meant to feel.

The interline setup isn’t as deep as a codeshare or full-on alliance membership, but it’s a step forward for an airline that’s been mostly focused on North American routes until recently. And the timing feels intentional. With new Saudi tourism ambitions under Vision 2030 and Canada rebuilding some diplomatic ties with Riyadh, the skies just got friendlier.

What’s in It for Passengers?

For travelers who’ve ever felt like connecting flights between mid-sized Canadian cities and global destinations involved too many hops and headaches, this is a win. Especially if they’re flying from:

• Calgary or Vancouver to London-Heathrow, then onward to Jeddah or Riyadh

• Toronto-Pearson to Paris, then down to the Kingdom via Saudia

• Any other WestJet-served city feeding into those European gateways

And on the flip side, it opens a smoother path for Saudi travelers heading to Canada—whether for study, business, or tourism.

“I think we’re finally seeing Canadian carriers move into a more strategic global stance,” said a Montreal-based aviation consultant who asked not to be named. “Saudi Arabia isn’t just oil and desert anymore. It’s becoming a tourism and business hub in its own right.”

The Executives Shake Hands

The ink on this one is still fresh. The interline agreement was signed by Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, and John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive VP and CCO. Both companies issued statements, but skipped a major press event. Still, insiders say the mood is optimistic.

“WestJet is unlocking new frontiers for its customers,” Weatherill said in a release. “This is about giving our guests more choice and more convenience.”

Saudia, for its part, called the move “a key milestone” in expanding its reach into the North American market.

They’re not wrong.

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Tourism Bet

The move fits into a bigger picture Saudi Arabia is painting for itself. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms, the Kingdom is pushing hard to become a tourist destination and business epicenter, not just a place travelers transit through.

That means more deals like this. More hotels. More English signage. Even more music festivals and Formula 1 races, oddly enough.

In fact, here’s a quick look at some current numbers:

Aviation observers say the Gulf is shifting fast—and Canada’s airlines are finally noticing.

WestJet’s Subtle Pivot to Long-Haul

WestJet isn’t known for global expansion, at least not historically. The airline has long prided itself on affordability and domestic loyalty, catering primarily to Canadians looking to escape winter or hop between provinces.

But this year has been different.

First came new international routes from Calgary to Tokyo and Edinburgh. Now, with the Saudia tie-up, it’s clear WestJet is ready to compete in the long-haul space—not by going it alone, but by teaming up smartly.

“It’s like they’re tiptoeing into the big leagues,” said one WestJet pilot based in Toronto. “They’re not trying to become Emirates overnight. But this kind of deal lets them stretch their wings without overextending.”

There’s still plenty of caution, though. No one’s mentioning possible codeshares yet. And there’s no sign of WestJet joining a global alliance like Oneworld or SkyTeam anytime soon.

A Slight Chill, Then a Thaw

Let’s not forget: Canada and Saudi Arabia didn’t always see eye to eye. Back in 2018, diplomatic relations all but froze after Canada’s government criticized Riyadh’s human rights record. Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador. Flights were axed. Trade took a hit.

But last year, things quietly warmed up again.

With embassies reopened and officials traveling back and forth, this airline agreement signals something broader: a willingness to work together—even if not everyone is shouting about it from the rooftops.

“It’s soft diplomacy, wrapped in frequent flyer miles,” joked one Ottawa-based foreign affairs analyst.

Where It Could Go Next

So, what comes after an interline deal?

Could we see Saudia planes at Canadian airports? Not impossible. Riyadh has been pushing for more nonstop routes to North America, and WestJet’s Toronto and Calgary hubs could fit the bill.

Or maybe this is just the beginning of a wider commercial alliance.

Either way, travelers are getting more options. And airlines—once burned by geopolitical tensions and COVID-era isolation—seem ready to try again.