While Canada’s total domestic passenger numbers now hover at around pre-COVID levels, air travel to smaller communities and even medium-sized cities has withered. (Gander International Airport Authority) From his office overlooking the runway at Gander International Airport, Reg Wright can see all flights in and out of his corner of Newfoundland. But in recent years, … Read more
Canada’s Competition Bureau has launched a market study into the country’s domestic air passenger service, noting that fares remain pricier than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study’s terms of reference published earlier this week, the bureau says there are signs “domestic airfares in Canada may be relatively high,” and that “average airfares … Read more
A strike by WestJet mechanics has been averted after federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding issues of the collective agreement between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). In a statement Thursday, O’Regan said he is “using his authorities under the Canada Labour Code” to … Read more
If there’s anything people can agree on these days, it’s that flying sucks. And between the delays and cancellations, extreme turbulence, and jets literally falling apart in the sky, it seems that some people have had about enough of flying experiences getting ostensibly worse instead of better. Which may partially explain the online roasting of WestJet’s new UltraBasic fare, where … Read more
Thousands of people flocked to parts of Eastern Canada and the United States this week to catch a glimpse of Monday’s total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocked out the sun. For 11-year-old Julian Falkin, who traveled with his family from Vancouver to Cleveland, Ohio, to view the event, it was well worth the trip. … Read more
Less than two years after entering the market, Lynx Air is winding down operations, making the Calgary-based airline the latest in a long line of Canadian discount carriers that have failed to take off. The company — which rebranded from “Enerjet” in 2021 — cited rising operational costs, high fuel prices, unfavourable exchange rates, increased airport charges and … Read more
A relaxing vacation in Cuba was what Jeff Phelps thought he was signing up for when he booked a 20th wedding anniversary trip with Sunwing. That’s not what they got when they arrived at the Grand Memories Varadero, listed as a 4.5-star facility, during the holidays. The family opened the door to the room and “the first thing that … Read more
Travelers headed home for the holiday season might be frustrated by the current SFO ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. A winter storm is expected to bring rain throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening to the region. At 8 a.m., the FAA declared a ground delay at SFO “due to low ceilings.” The solid … Read more
