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Let’s not pretend Canadian air travel is always glamorous. We’ve all been there: delayed on the tarmac in Toronto, paying $12 for a soggy sandwich in Calgary, or wondering why it somehow costs more to fly to Winnipeg than to Paris. Flying in Canada has its quirks. It’s expensive. It’s limited. And yes, sometimes it’s downright confusing.
But here’s the thing. It still matters who you fly with. Every time you book with a foreign-owned airline, a chunk of your travel spend disappears across the border. When you fly with a Canadian-owned airline, that money stays here. It supports Canadian jobs, infrastructure, and communities that genuinely need it. Whether you’re escaping winter, heading to a site visit in Alberta, or finally checking Italy off your bucket list, you’ve got options. And some of the best ones are Canadian. Let’s take a look, turbulence included.
✈️ Proudly Canadian. Fully Human.
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Let’s face it — 2025 isn’t the easiest year to be a traveler. Prices are up, routes have shifted and reliability can be hit-or-miss. Still, one thing hasn’t changed: every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of economy you want to support.
When you fly with foreign-owned airlines (even ones that operate in Canada), a chunk of your fare disappears south of the border — or across the ocean. But Canadian-owned airlines reinvest those dollars right here. That means better service, stronger infrastructure, and more good jobs at home.
It’s not about being patriotic for the sake of it. It’s about being practical — and making sure the money you spend on travel actually benefits the country you live, work and raise your family in.
To make this list, an airline must meet three key criteria:
It’s not enough to simply operate here. This is about ownership, impact, and accountability — because when profits stay local, we all benefit.
Here’s a look at the top Canadian-owned airlines available in 2025, including where they fly, who they’re best for, and why they deserve your consideration.
Headquarters: Montreal, QC
Reach: Global — over 200 destinations across 6 continents
Air Canada is the country’s largest airline and national flag carrier. While no longer government-run, it’s a publicly traded Canadian company and a staple of international and domestic travel.
🧠 Great for: Long-haul travel, frequent flyers, international business trips, loyalty programs.
Headquarters: Calgary, AB
Reach: Canada, U.S., Europe, Caribbean and select Asia routes
Owned by Canadian investment firm Onex Corporation, WestJet has grown from a budget startup to a major player. Despite minority stakes now held by foreign partners, it remains Canadian-controlled and increasingly international in reach.
🧠 Great for: Affordable family vacations, flexible domestic trips, budget-conscious international flights.
Headquarters: Toronto, ON
Reach: Growing network across Canada and the U.S.
Known for its stylish Embraer jets and great onboard experience, Porter is one of Canada’s most refreshing airline stories. Fully Canadian-owned and expanding fast, it now connects cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax, and major U.S. hubs like New York and San Francisco.
🧠 Great for: Weekend getaways, short-haul comfort, East Coast travel with personality.
Headquarters: Montreal, QC
Reach: Europe, Caribbean, Central America and select U.S. cities
Leisure travel is Air Transat’s sweet spot. Whether you’re dreaming of a European summer or a Caribbean winter, this Canadian-owned airline offers reliable service, solid pricing, and lots of vacation-ready routes.
🧠 Great for: Sun holidays, group trips, transatlantic adventures on a budget.
Headquarters: Edmonton, AB
Reach: Canadian cities, U.S., and select Mexico/Caribbean spots
Flair is Canada’s ultra-low-cost carrier — offering no-frills flights at rock-bottom prices. Though it has faced regulatory scrutiny over foreign investment, it remains majority Canadian-owned and focused on keeping flying accessible.
🧠 Great for: Students, budget travellers and anyone prioritizing price over perks.
Headquarters: Kanata, ON
Reach: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and northern Quebec
Wholly owned by Inuit corporations, Canadian North is much more than an airline — it’s a vital link for communities in Canada’s far north. It’s a lifeline for travellers, businesses and services where few others operate.
🧠 Great for: Remote access, community-focused organizations and operations in northern Canada.
Headquarters: Whitehorse, YT
Reach: Yukon, Alberta, B.C.
Majority-owned by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Air North is known for its warm, thoughtful service and strong commitment to regional connectivity. With direct flights between Whitehorse, Vancouver, Calgary, and beyond, it’s a powerful example of local ownership done right.
🧠 Great for: Travel to and from the Yukon, northern communities and values-based travel.
Headquarters: Montreal, QC
Reach: Nunavik, northern Quebec and Nunavut
Air Inuit provides passenger, cargo, and charter services across northern Quebec. Owned by the Inuit of Nunavik, it plays an essential role in access, independence, and cultural resilience in the region.
🧠 Great for: Northern travel, remote contracts, and supporting Indigenous-owned business.
We won’t sugarcoat it. Flying in Canada can be frustrating. Fewer airline options, limited routes, sky-high prices, and weather that loves to ruin plans. Compared to international carriers, our aviation scene doesn’t always feel world-class — and Canadian travelers notice.
But here’s the thing. These airlines are working with real challenges: vast geography, remote communities, and regulatory pressure. They’re not perfect, but they are ours — and they’re still showing up to keep this country connected.
When you fly Canadian, you’re not endorsing perfection. You’re choosing progress. You’re backing the carriers that are trying to serve Canadians in one of the hardest aviation markets in the world.
Where your travel dollars go matters. When you choose a Canadian-owned airline, you’re not just booking a seat. You’re investing in local jobs, Indigenous ownership, northern access and the future of air travel in Canada.
And it doesn’t stop with airlines. If you care about where your money ends up, check out our guides to Canadian-owned hotel chains and Canadian-owned restaurants too. Supporting local isn’t just patriotic, it’s practical.
You don’t need to overhaul your travel habits. But making Canadian-owned companies your first choice whenever you can? That’s a step in the right direction.
Where you fly matters. Who you fly with matters even more.
💡 Need help planning business trips? Work with a corporate travel agency that gets it. Inspired Travel Group handles every detail with expert care. Get Started Today!
