As Porter continues its rapid expansion across North America and the Caribbean, the airline is navigating rising fuel costs, evolving traveller demand and shifting booking patterns. In this week’s Take 5 interview, we speak with Porter Airlines’ Michael Curmi, Managing Director, Sales & Distribution, about network growth, strong demand for domestic and sun destinations and what’s next for the carrier’s expanding route map.

1.Rising fuel costs tied to geopolitical tensions have led Porter to introduce a temporary surcharge on VIPorter redemptions. How is the airline balancing cost pressures with maintaining competitive pricing for travellers?

“First, it’s important to understand the VIPorter surcharge applies to a very small number of purchases. It was more logical to add a temporary surcharge in this category, rather than change the points redemption structure. We’ll remove it once the situation goes back to normal.

“Fuel is the single largest cost in airline operations, and costs have doubled since February. This is a reality the entire industry is navigating. Like others, we’ve made some adjustments on fares to account for this volatility.

“What gives us confidence through this period is the strength of demand for the Porter product. Canadians are travelling, and they’re choosing Porter. Throughout 2026/27, we’re adding routes, growing capacity and introducing Porter to new markets. We believe the best response to cost pressures is to keep flying where our customers want to go and to keep delivering the elevated experience that sets us apart. We have to manage the short-term while maintaining a long-term view when planning schedules.”

2.With fluctuating airfare pricing across the industry, where is Porter currently seeing the strongest demand, and are there any routes or regions offering particularly strong value for Canadian travellers right now?

“Domestic travel has been the standout for summer and Porter’s network is exceptionally well-positioned to serve that momentum. Across our entire network, all passengers can enjoy a genuine elevated experience without a premium price tag. What makes our story particularly distinct is how we’ve built meaningful networks out of communities that travellers have historically been underserved from. 

“Montreal, Hamilton and Ottawa are three markets where that growth has been especially strong. This spring alone we have added Ottawa–Deer Lake, Hamilton–Winnipeg, Hamilton–St. John’s, and Hamilton–Ottawa. These are some of the point-to-point options that didn’t exist before.

“With the opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET) on June 15, Porter will nearly double its capacity in Montreal, starting with 11 new routes across Canada. The airport is located close to downtown and offers a more convenient travel option for greater than 50% of the region’s population. This complements our longstanding presence at YUL, giving Greater Montreal more options for air travel.”

3.Following the launch of Porter’s Caribbean service, what has early demand been like, and are there plans to further expand sun destinations in the near future?

“The response has been exceptional. In our inaugural year operating sun destinations, load factors averaged approximately 80% across Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. That’s a strong signal that the Porter product resonates in leisure markets. For the upcoming winter season, we’re adding four new destinations: Aruba, Los Cabos (Mexico), Montego Bay (Jamaica) and San José (Costa Rica). We are also doubling our total capacity into Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean compared to last winter. In total, Porter will operate nearly 5,000 flights to sun destinations this upcoming season, representing an increase of more than 150% year-over-year. The sun markets will represent nearly 50% of our total capacity next winter–a remarkable evolution for an airline that entered these markets for the very first time just one season ago.”

4.Porter recently expanded its network with new U.S. and leisure routes. What destinations are performing best, and how do you determine where to add capacity next?

“New route development is an ongoing process. We’re always adapting based on where our customers want to travel. Sun destinations have consistently outperformed expectations and we’re particularly excited about our first-ever sun routes from Alberta, Edmonton will see four new routes this winter – Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Las Vegas and Phoenix – while Calgary is gaining Phoenix service. 

“On the U.S. side, we’re growing sun markets by 30%, with expanded service including Vancouver–Phoenix, a second daily Toronto–Phoenix flight, Halifax to Fort Lauderdale and Ottawa to Fort Myers.” 

5.With the launch of new U.S. routes, what can you tell us about U.S. bookings following months of softened demand? Is demand back up? If so, what would you attribute this to?

“Across the industry, U.S. capacity is down year-over-year but it has started to level out. We’ve reduced capacity in some markets and added more flying to others, such as Phoenix. 

“Porter continues to buck the trend in some respects; we grew U.S. jet capacity by 70% in 2025, and plan on another 8% in 2026. Many Canadians still travel to the U.S. and it remains a very large market that requires meaningful service.

“That confidence is reflected in this summer’s U.S. launches:

• Boston to Toronto Pearson and Montreal Trudeau: Complementing existing service from Toronto City and Ottawa
• Austin to Toronto Pearson: Porter’s first destination in Texas. 5x weekly flights
• Nashville to Toronto City: Daily flights utilizing the new U.S. Customs Preclearance facility at Billy Bishop”

For more information, go to www.flyporter.com.