Indo Canadian News News That Matters
Due to a spike in the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada has extended its route cuts between Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia. Therefore, passengers will not be able to fly between these two cities this holiday season.
The national carrier of Canada told JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport that their regional flights between Halifax and Sydney, which was placed under suspension from November 2 to November 30, will continue to be suspended until January 10, 2021.
Unfortunately, travel options between the two largest cities in Nova Scotia are reduced during the holiday season, when both are in the Atlantic bubble.
Mr. Mike MacKinnon, CEO of the Sydney Airport, has said in a press conference that the Sydney Airport Authority is very disappointed because aviation services are being further cut when the federal government and airlines should meet to discuss industry relief issues.
“I don’t know how long it will take the country to deal with this industry crisis. Airlines and airports all over the world have received support from their government because they understand the crucial role of aviation in their economy. Canada is a sprawling nation, air services are absolutely essential. If any country should understand the importance of its aviation industry, should Canada,” he added.
He also pointed to the comments made by the Transport Minister on Sunday (Nov 8), Mr. Marc Garneau, who said talks between the airline and the government will begin this week.
Mr. Marc Garneau said that they were preparing to establish financial assistance procedures, which may include loans and possibly other support. The support of the federal government will depend on the carrier providing refunds to passengers for cancelled flights. The federal government will ensure that Canadians and regional communities maintain air connections with the rest of Canada.
However, it is not clear whether this includes forcing Air Canada and other airlines to resume dozens of currently suspended routes, such as Sydney-Halifax. WestJet has also suspended flights to Sydney last month, as well as Fredericton, Charlottetown, Quebec City and Moncton in New Brunswick.
Now, JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport only has Air Canada flights to and from Toronto 5 days a week. McKinnon also called on the province to study ways to safely allow air travel from outside the Atlantic region through rapid testing, which can reduce quarantine measures and still maintain safety of the public.
