Sunwing and Air Canada dropping flights latest in troubling trend
REGINA – Today, the Official Opposition NDP wrote to Premier Scott Moe demanding action on ongoing challenges with air travel in Saskatchewan.
“Air travel is essential to our economic wellbeing. The loss of needed flight routes and carriers is a loss for people and our economy. It’s past time that this Premier stand up for us on this front and find solutions,” said Infrastructure Critic Trent Wotherspoon.
Wotherspoon notes that Sunwing axing all vacations from Regina and half from Saskatoon has resulted in chaos and frustration for thousands of Saskatchewan people. This comes on the heels of Air Canada cutting all connections to Calgary, causing concern in sectors that rely on stable, regular air travel and this very important route.
“For many people, the Sunwing situation has ruined their first vacation in years. With so many on tight budgets, any other spending is on hold until they get that refund,” said Opposition Leader Carla Beck. “And frankly, that could take weeks if not months.”
Beck said she and her colleagues are worried that Scott Moe only goes to bat for people and businesses when it suits his political agenda.
“If Scott Moe really wants to stand up for Saskatchewan, he’d get airlines, mayors, industry, economic organizations, airport authorities and the federal government in a room and hash out a fix – yet he’s been largely silent. We’re losing critical economic lifelines that connect Saskatchewan to the rest of the world,” she said.
“I look forward to his fulsome response.”
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2014 – United Cancels Direct Flights to Chicago
2015 – United Cancels Direct Flights to Denver
2016 – Delta Cancels Direct Flights to Minneapolis
2021 – Transport Canada removes international status from Regina, Saskatoon airports
2022 – Air Canada Cancels Direct Flights to Calgary
2023 – Sunwing Cancels Most Flights Out Of Saskatchewan
For more information, please contact:
Brock Bowman
Director of Communications
306-519-9549