Airlines suspend winter flights to St. Maarten

Hurricane damage forced decision

Canadian travellers hoping to vacation in St. Maarten this winter will have to make alternative plans after hurricane damage forced several airlines to suspend service for the season.

Air Canada (TSX:AC) issued an advisory on its website saying that damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria has resulted in its suspension of all flights to the Caribbean island and Puerto Rico. Affected customers can obtain a refund.

The storms had deadly consequences for island residents but no material impact on the airline’s results even though it sent several flights to pick up stranded passengers.

Transat AT (TSX:TRZ) also said it has suspended service for the season that was expected to run from Dec. 23 to April 28.

“Due to the impacts of hurricanes, the tourism infrastructure on the island has suffered greatly,” the tour company which operates Air Transat wrote in an email.

“Many hotels have been severely damaged and customer demand has also been affected.”

Flights to St. Maarten were unavailable for booking on WestJet’s (TSX:WJA) website, while Sunwing couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.

Published reports in St. Maarten say Princess Juliana International Airport sustained up to US$100 million in damages, including to the terminal roof.

The airport has been using temporary facilities since it reopened to commercial traffic Oct. 10.