REGINA — News that WestJet is bringing back its summer direct flights to Halifax has been greeted with enthusiasm by both the Saskatoon and Regina airports.
“Due to popular demand, WestJet is pleased to return and expand service between Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia,” said Mike Perkins, WestJet senior manager of airport affairs, in a statement Monday.
“This expanded service strengthens Saskatchewan’s air connectivity while supporting tourism, business travel and family connections between the Prairies and Atlantic Canada.”
Of the routes from Regina and Saskatoon, WestJet said in a statement that “in response to the strong demand, WestJet has doubled weekly frequencies and extended the schedule into the spring and fall, providing guests more flexibility to visit Atlantic Canada.”
WestJet said the Saskatoon routes will be offered twice a week from April 27 to Oct. 11, running Mondays and Saturdays. The Regina routes to Halifax will run from April 26 to Oct. 4, operating Tuesdays and Sundays.
WestJet said this represents a 327 per cent increase over last year, when the direct routes ran once a week from June to September.
WestJet also said in a statement Monday that significant increases in flight frequencies to Halifax are also coming from Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary and Toronto. The announcement comes soon after news that WestJet was reducing some flights to the United States, indicating the airline is focusing more on domestic travel and, in particular, Halifax.
Reaction from Saskatchewan’s two major airports was positive.
“We are very excited to hear WestJet will not only be bringing back, but increasing service to Halifax this summer,” said Regina International Airport in a statement.
“This flight was a great success last year, and we can’t wait to see that continue and grow this summer. Southern Saskatchewan is proud to connect the Prairies to the Maritimes, and its seamless connections to Europe are a huge bonus for our community.”
In a statement, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport said, “Saskatoon Airport is incredibly pleased to welcome the return of Halifax, with an additional weekly frequency.”
“Last summer, we saw a significant increase in domestic travel and expect another busy travel season as Canadians look for more opportunities to travel domestically. This additional frequency gives more opportunity not only to connect Saskatoon to Halifax but also to connect Saskatoon to Europe via Halifax during the busy summer season. We are very proud to see WestJet continue to grow its network in Saskatoon as our largest airline partner.”
