Porter Airlines Adds Austin Service, Moves Chicago Flights to O’Hare, and Launches Ottawa–Deer Lake Seasonal Route
Porter Airlines is continuing to build out its North American network with two airport additions and three route updates spanning Canada and the United States. The latest changes include a brand-new destination in Austin, Texas, a major airport upgrade for Chicago service from Toronto’s downtown airport, and new seasonal connectivity between Ottawa and western Newfoundland.
New seasonal Ottawa–Deer Lake service launches June 10
Within Canada, Porter will introduce seasonal nonstop service between Ottawa (YOW) and Deer Lake (YDF) beginning June 10, 2026. The route is scheduled to operate five times weekly and complements Porter’s existing Deer Lake flying from Toronto Pearson and Halifax, adding another convenient option for travel between the nation’s capital and Newfoundland.
Toronto Pearson–Austin becomes a new year-round U.S. route
Porter’s U.S. network growth continues with new year-round flights between Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), launching May 21, 2026. The service will operate five times weekly using the Embraer E195-E2, further strengthening transborder options from Porter’s Toronto Pearson presence.
Chicago flights move from Midway to O’Hare, with more frequency
Starting September 1, 2026, Porter will shift its Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)–Chicago service from Midway (MDW) to O’Hare (ORD). The move gives travellers access to Chicago’s primary airport and increases service to three flights per day on the Dash 8-400.
Porter has served Chicago from Billy Bishop since 2008, and the airline notes that passengers will also benefit from the new U.S. CBP preclearance facility expected to open at YTZ in the coming weeks. In addition, operating to O’Hare positions the route for future connecting itineraries via partner airlines.
New routes at a glance
| Route | Start date | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) – Austin (AUS) | May 21, 2026 | 5x weekly | Embraer E195-E2 |
| Ottawa (YOW) – Deer Lake (YDF) | June 10, 2026 | 5x weekly (seasonal) | Embraer E195-E2 |
| Toronto City (YTZ) – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Sept. 1, 2026 | 3x daily | Dash 8-400 |
What passengers can expect onboard
Porter says its expanded network continues to be paired with its onboard product, including no middle seats and complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, along with premium snacks. Flights operated by the Embraer E195-E2 also include free, fast WiFi for all passengers.
Part of a broader schedule expansion
The airline notes that these route additions follow its recent summer schedule announcement, which included nine new routes, new destinations, added frequencies, and continued service in popular winter markets.
Full schedule details are available at www.flyporter.com.
What industry and airport leaders are saying
Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting at Porter Airlines, said the expansion is designed to complement existing schedules and improve connectivity across Porter hubs, adding that travellers are looking for more choice alongside an elevated service experience.
Austin-Bergstrom leadership welcomed the new nonstop link to Toronto as a boost to international connectivity for business and leisure travel. Chicago aviation officials highlighted O’Hare’s role as a major hub and noted the move aligns with growing partnership opportunities, including Porter’s codeshare relationship with American Airlines. Airport leaders in Deer Lake and Ottawa emphasized the value of improved access between the regions and the broader benefits of stronger domestic and transborder connectivity.
