More flights to Windsor cut by worries over virus
The Windsor area has become a little more isolated as Porter Airlines and Sunwing Vacation Group temporarily shut down operations while Air Canada announced a reduced schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After today’s flight schedule is completed, Porter will cease operations to Windsor International Airport until June 1. Sunwing, which offers international flights to the sunny south, will stop operating its seasonal program out of Windsor on March 27.
Air Canada announced Thursday
it will continue to offer four daily flights out of Windsor to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. But the airline said it is temporarily suspending daily flights between Windsor and Montreal from March 23 to April 30.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the flight reductions will be “a big hit on revenues” at the airport, with such revenues as parking fees and refuelling being lost. He said it could lead to “possible” layoffs at the local airport.
Windsor-essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Ceo-president Rakesh Naidu said its concerning that Porter Airlines feels the need to cancel flights until June 1.
“It’s understandable for the safety of their crews and people, but it will definitely impact the movement of people,” Naidu said.
“Travel is down, but some people still have to travel.”
In a statement posted on Porter’s website, airline CEO -president Michael Deluce said: “We will resume service on June 1. This time period allows the COVID -19 public health crisis to diminish and then time for us to effectively restart operations.”
Porter is waiving change and cancellation fees. Flight alterations can be made online.
Sunwing announced Thursday
That’s why we want to open up any extra capacity we have. It’s the Canadian thing to do.
that Canadians stranded down south can fly back on the company’s repatriation flights for free if there’s an empty seat available. The company’s offer extends to non-sunwing customers.
“We understand a lot of Canadians are still stranded outside the country and struggling to get home,” Sunwing Travel Group CEO Stephen Hunter said in a statement.
“That’s why we want to open up any extra capacity we have. It’s the Canadian thing to do.”
Hunter said if a northbound Sunwing flight (check sunwing.ca) is operating from their destination, people can present themselves at the Sunwing check-in counter. If space remains prior to departure at the closure of check-in, any available seats will be offered to Canadians or Canadian permanent residents.
Transport Canada is also attempting to ease the pressure on the medical system by announcing Thursday that pilots needing their medical certificate renewed by June 1 will instead maintain their licence certifications until Aug. 1, 2020.
No new medical exams for certifications will be performed until at least May 1.