Macedonia pro-opposition rally staged against name deal

Several thousand supporters of Macedonia's conservative opposition have marched through the capital Skopje to protest a proposed agreement with Greece to change the country's name to North Macedonia.

The conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, which governed between 2006 and 2016, renewed a demand Wednesday for an early election, arguing that the 18-month-old Social Democrat government was unable to deal with crises facing the country.

The protesters gathered outside the conservative party headquarters and marched past government buildings, chanting "Macedonia, Macedonia" and waving nationalist banners.

Hristijan Mickoski, center, the leader of the opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, sings through a megaphone a patriotic song, while marching during an anti-government protest in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands of conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

VMRO-DPMNe party leader Hristijan Mickoski addressed the rally, which ended peacefully.

Resolving the decades-old name dispute with Greece would clear obstacles for Macedonia to join NATO.

Hristijan Mickoski, center, the leader of the opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, takes a part in an anti-government protest outside the government building in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

Hristijan Mickoski, center, the leader of the opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, is marching with the supporters during an anti-government protest in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

Hristijan Mickoski, center, the leader of the opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, rises his fists while marching during an anti-government protest in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

Hristijan Mickoski, the leader of the opposition conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, speaks to the supporters during an anti-government protest in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

Supporters of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party gather to an anti-government protest march in front of the party headquarters in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

A supporter of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party waves the old national flag before an anti-government protest march in Skopje, Macedonia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Thousands conservative opposition party supporters have marched peacefully late on Wednesday in Macedonia's capital Skopje, protesting leftist government policies, including the deal reached with Greece over the change of the country's name to North Macedonia. (AP PhotoBoris Grdanoski)

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2026--

Porter Airlines is expanding its Ottawa (YOW) schedule today with the launch of daily service to Windsor (YQG) and Sudbury (YSB), adding more options for travel within Ontario and beyond. These non-stop routes are only available with Porter.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260501872820/en/

The airline’s expanding presence at YOW means travellers can easily connect to a wide range of destinations from the national capital, including Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, and Charlottetown. Connections to the U.S. and Mexico are also available. This summer, Porter will operate more flights from Ottawa than any other carrier.

Whether it’s a quick getaway, family visit or business trip, travellers can now explore world-class museums, the renowned Rideau Canal, and the history and culture of Ottawa.

Everyone travelling on Porter enjoys no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and premium snacks onboard. For an all-inclusive experience, PorterReserve fares include extra legroom seats, priority check-in and ticket flexibility, while PorterClassic passengers can purchase these perks à la carte.

Full schedule details are available at www.flyporter.com.

Quotes
"Today's launch of Windsor and Sudbury service is the next step in building Ottawa into a stronger hub for Porter. Travellers have non-stop access to the nation’s capital and to an increasing number of connecting flights across the country."

- Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines

“Porter Airlines’ new service to Sudbury and Windsor is welcome news for travellers across the National Capital Region. Ottawa is a natural connecting point in Porter’s growing network, and these routes strengthen YOW’s role as a convenient hub for access to markets across Canada and beyond. Sudbury brings important business and mining links closer to the capital, while Windsor adds strong ties in automotive, advanced manufacturing, and cross‑border commerce. We’re pleased to welcome both cities to the YOW network.”

- Joel Tkach, vice president, business development and marketing, Ottawa International Airport Authority

“The launch of Porter’s Windsor–Ottawa service reflects the strength of our ongoing partnership and our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity for the Windsor–Essex region. This new route provides our community with greater choice, convenience and access to the nation’s capital, while supporting business, tourism and personal travel. We’re pleased to continue working with Porter to expand air service options that meet the evolving needs of our travellers.”

- Mark Galvin, President and CEO, YQG Windsor International Airport

“We are excited for the launch of Porter Airlines’ new service between Sudbury and Ottawa. The launch of this route is a major win for our community, strengthening regional connectivity and providing passengers with seamless access to Porter’s growing Ottawa network — opening up more convenient travel options to destinations across North America and beyond.”

- Giovanna Verrilli, CEO, Greater Sudbury Airport

About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Porter Airlines connects Ottawa to Windsor and Sudbury with new daily service