The Regina Airport Authority is pleased to share that Transport Canada has confirmed YQR will maintain its International Designation until at least March of 2023. Transport Canada will be providing information on the process to maintain this designation beyond 2023.
“As the 15th busiest airport in the country and the airport for the capital city of Saskatchewan, it’s critical that Regina have an International Airport Designation. This international designation increases the prominence of the airport and will help grow business opportunities in all southern Saskatchewan”, said James Bogusz, President and CEO, Regina Airport Authority.
In January of 2021, the federal government revised its list of airports that had official “international” designations and removed many airports, including YQR, from the list. While YQR was able to resume transborder, Mexico, and Caribbean flights at the end of 2021, this official designation aids in YQR’s marketing efforts to receive international flights, attract new routes, maintain capacity for border processing, and help grow international business in southern Saskatchewan.
“While it is good to see the return of the designation, it should have never been removed by the federal government in the first place,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “As the airport for our province’s capital city, it is critical that YQR be able to provide our businesses and residents with a greater choice of destinations and the international designation will support that.”
About YQR
YQR is the 15th busiest airport in Canada and connects the local community to many major Canadian markets. YQR is proud to offer seasonal service to both the US and international sunspot destinations. The Regina Airport Authority (RAA) is a not-for-profit organization that operates YQR under a long-term lease with the Federal Government. The RAA has a mandate to operate a safe and secure airport, while looking to grow for the greater benefit of the community. YQR, It’s Your Airport!
Airline to return 17 sun and leisure routes suspended during pandemic to destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 8, 2022 /CNW/ – WestJet today celebrated the return of 17 sun routes to its network this winter. The returning routes which were suspended for more than two years, bring enhanced connectivity and vacation options for Canadians and communities across the airline’s network.
“The restart of these routes is another positive step in the restoration our network as we solidify WestJet as the reliable, friendly and affordable airline we are known to be,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We recognize the past three winters have been disruptive to our guests travel plans and we look forward to reconnecting Canadians to some of the warmer destinations they have missed the most.”
The airline today also announced new six-times weekly regional service between Penticton, B.C., and Vancouver beginning on February 17, 2023 on WestJet Link along with the restart of domestic connectivity between Edmonton and Nanaimo, B.C.
Highlights from WestJet’s winter schedule release:
Sun and Leisure, Transborder and Transatlantic:
Restart of 17 sun and leisure routes suspended since 2019
45 per cent increase to sun and leisure flights from winter 2021
60 per cent increase in transborder flights from winter 2021
25 per cent increase in transatlantic flights from winter 2021
WestJet’s investments in sun, transborder and leisure flying are growing across the country with:
A 50% increase in flights from Central/Eastern Canada from winter 2021
A 55% increase in flights from Western Canada from winter 2021
Network-wide:
65 per cent increase in flights to/from Winnipeg (YWG) from winter 2021
50 per cent increase in flights to/from Edmonton (YEG) from winter 2021
35 per cent increase in flights to/from Vancouver (YVR) from winter 2021
30 per cent increase in flights to/from Calgary (YYC) from winter 2021
10 per cent increase in flights to/from Toronto (YYZ) from winter 2021
Domestic:
New domestic connection between Vancouver and Penticton, B.C., on WestJet Link
Restart of Edmonton-Nanaimo route suspended since 2019
25 per cent overall increase in flights network-wide domestically from winter 2021
Transborder Restarts:
Route
Restart Date
Peak Frequency
Operated By
Kelowna – Phoenix
November 16, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Saskatoon – Las Vegas
November 10, 2022
2x Weekly
WestJet
Saskatoon – Orlando*
December 16, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Regina – Las Vegas
November 10, 2022
2x Weekly
WestJet
Regina – Orlando
December 16, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Vancouver – Orlando
November 12, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Winnipeg – Phoenix
October 31, 2022
2x Weekly
WestJet
St. John’s – Tampa Bay
March 19, 2023
1x Weekly
WestJet
*Operated on very limited basis in 2021
Carribean, Mexico, Central American Restarts:
Route
Restart Date
Peak Frequency
Operated By
Calgary – Belize City
November 18, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Calgary – Nassau
November 26, 2022
1x weekly
WestJet
Calgary – Varadero
November 5, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Comox – Puerto Vallarta
November 5, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Ottawa – Montego Bay
November 12, 2022
2x Weekly
WestJet
Regina – Cancun*
November 13, 2022
2x Weekly
WestJet
Toronto – Cayo Coco
November 5, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Toronto – Samana
December 17, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
Winnipeg – Montego Bay
December 17, 2022
1x Weekly
WestJet
*Operated on very limited basis in 2021
Domestic Routes:
Route
Start Date
Frequency
Operated by
Vancouver – Penticton*
February 17, 2023
6x Weekly
WestJet Link
Edmonton – Nanaimo
October 30, 2022
3x Weekly
WestJet Encore
*new route
About WestJet
In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Canada’s leading ultra-low-fare airline expands in Saskatchewan, connecting Regina to Edmonton and Winnipeg
REGINA, SK, June 16, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, arrived at Regina International Airport (YQR) for the first time. Swoop flight WO582 from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and received a warm welcome upon landing at 8:00 a.m. local time before departing for Winnipeg.
“We are thrilled to continue our summer network expansion here in Regina with two important inaugural flights,” said Bert van der Stege, Head of Commercial and Finance at Swoop. “Today’s celebration reinforces Swoop’s commitment to enabling Canadians to travel more, and we’re proud to offer residents of Regina access to ultra-convenient and ultra-affordable flights to both Winnipeg and Edmonton.”
The leading ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) is solidifying its presence in the province with new service to Saskatoon starting earlier this week. Later this month, Swoop will add more non-stop service from both Saskatchewan cities to Toronto.
“We are thrilled to see Swoop Airlines expanding to Regina,” said Mayor Sandra Masters. “Having the addition of Swoop’s affordable air service is vital to the economic recovery and growth of tourism and hospitality in our city.”
“We are excited to welcome Swoop to YQR with Ultra Low-Cost air service to three major Canadian cities, Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg. All of Southern Saskatchewan will benefit from this additional air service capacity, which provides significant benefit to the local economy.” – James Bogusz, President and CEO, Regina Airport Authority
With introductory fares from Edmonton to Regina starting at just $49 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable travelling across the country can be this summer.
Route
Start Date
Peak Weekly Frequency
One-way total price (CAD)
Base Fare (CAD)
Taxes & Fees (CAD)
Regina to Edmonton
June 16,2022
2x weekly
$69
$34.64
$30.41
Regina to Winnipeg
June 16,2022
2x weekly
$49
$15.59
$29.45
Regina to Toronto
June 22,2022
2x weekly
$59
$25.12
$29.93
Edmonton to Regina
June 16,2022
2x weekly
$69
$19.64
$45.41
Winnipeg to Regina
June 16,2022
2x weekly
$69
$16.64
$48.41
Toronto to Regina
June 22,2022
2x weekly
$49
$2.29
$42.76
To learn more about Swoop and for flight schedules and bookings, please visit FlySwoop.com. For information on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience visit FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.
About Swoop
Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.
Swoop’s fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will grow to 16 with the addition of six Boeing MAX-8 in 2022. At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight.
MONTREAL and CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Air Transat and WestJet have launched a new transatlantic codeshare. WestJet’s “WS” code is now activated for sale on select Air Transat operated flights to/from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Croatia. Connections via Montreal and Toronto are now available for flight dates beginning May 17, 2022.
On May 4, 2022, Air Transat’s “TS” code will be activated on select WestJet flights, and from that date Air Transat will also offer itineraries connecting select WestJet flights with appealing Air Transat European destinations.
“We are very excited to launch this codeshare agreement with WestJet,” said Michèle Barre, Vice President, Network, Revenue Management and Pricing of Air Transat. “The complementarity of our respective networks allows us to offer more alternatives to our customers, providing them with a quality and affordable product. This partnership is part of Air Transat’s development strategy, enhancing our long-standing presence in the transatlantic market.”
“This new codeshare with Air Transat complements our growing global network, allowing WestJet to offer guests exciting new destinations in Europe,” said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. “As our guests return to travel, these new options will connect North America and Europe in new ways and benefit guests on both sides of the Atlantic.”
With this new codeshare, guests now have more options for their transatlantic travel, and will enjoy conveniences such as a single purchase for connecting flights, the ability to check in for all flights at their first departure, and baggage checked through to their final destination.
Once activated, both Air Transat and WestJet codeshare ticket sales will be available via the carriers’ websites and call centers, as well as via major GDS systems and travel agencies.
Subject to connectivity between their scheduled flights, Air Transat and WestJet will both offer the following transatlantic routings:
WestJet Operated Flights Air Transat “TS” Codeshare Applied
Connection Via
Air Transat Operated Flights WestJet “WS” Codeshare Applied
Deer Lake St. John’s Halifax Sydney Fredericton Moncton Charlottetown Montreal Quebec City London, ON Ottawa Thunder Bay Toronto Winnipeg Regina Saskatoon Boston N.Y. LaGuardia
Montreal
Toronto
France: Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice
Italy: Lamezia, Rome
Spain: Malaga
Portugal: Faro
Switzerland: Basel-Mulhouse
Croatia: Zagreb
About Air Transat
Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand. Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international and Canadian destinations, striving to serve its customers with enthusiasm and friendliness at every stage of their trip or stay, and emphasizing safety throughout. It is renewing its fleet with the greenest aircraft in their category as part of a commitment to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the magnificent destinations it offers. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a world-renowned holiday travel provider that has achieved Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments.
About the WestJet Group of Companies
In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com
Seven New Routes launching from three Canadian hubs
Restoration of 41 North American routes, return to 11 North American cities
Air Canada offers the most seats, frequencies of any Canadian carrier with 90% of its pre-pandemic North American capacity this summer
Air Canada’s leadership and unique extensive network will stimulate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry
MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada today announced an expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier’s recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes, Air Canada will operate to 51 Canadian and 46 U.S airports this summer and offer customers the largest network and most travel options of any Canadian carrier.
New services will be launching to the U.S. from Montreal to Atlanta and Detroit, Toronto to Salt Lake City, and Vancouver to Austin. Within Canada, three new routes will begin between Montreal and Gander, Calgary and Fort St John, and Vancouver and Halifax. Additionally, service will be restored on 41 North American routes, including: 13 routes from Toronto, nine from Montreal, five from Ottawa, five from Vancouver, four from Calgary, three from Halifax, and two from Edmonton. The routes are timed to connect with Air Canada’s domestic, U.S. and international network at the airline’s global hubs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
“Canadians are ready to travel, and we’re excited to be offering a very significant growth in our schedule this summer. With our recovery accelerating and North American flying reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels this summer, we are offering more options across the continent, including seven new city pairs from our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver hubs, and the resumption of 41 suspended or previously announced new routes. These changes will also grow and cement our position as the leading carrier of choice in the transborder market, with the most non-stop flying between Canada and the U.S. and as the foreign carrier with the most service to the U.S. Moreover, our revitalized North American network, designed to connect easily with our global network, gives customers by far the widest choice of routings and destinations of any Canadian carrier this summer,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“To match our unrivalled network, we are also enhancing our award-winning airport and onboard services. All 23 of our Maple Leaf Lounges are now open, with new features such as ordering from your seat for safety and greater convenience, and we have introduced a range of touchless airport services that make the check-in and boarding process more convenient. Customers can also benefit from our transformed Aeroplan program, which offers members greater value and flexibility when redeeming reward travel. And, of course, all customers will enjoy Air Canada’s industry leading customer service, recognized at the most recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, where our people won for Best Airline Employees in Canada and in North America.”
Award Winning Service
Select routes will feature wide-body aircraft with Air Canada Signature Class, with lie flat seating, and Premium Economy. Seats in all cabins are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, and travel agents.
Air Canada’s onboard services on flights greater than two hours feature new Economy Class Bistro selections, including products by Canadian brands and partners, such as meals inspired by celebrated Montreal Chef Jerome Ferrer.
All customers can collect and redeem points through Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
New Transborder and Domestic Routes
Flight
From
To
Frequency
Start Date
AC 799
Toronto
Salt Lake City
Thu, Sat, Sun
02 JUN
AC 8567 AC 8569
Montreal
Atlanta
Double Daily
01 JUN
AC 8581 AC 8583
Montreal
Detroit
Double Daily
01 JUN
AC 1062
Vancouver
Austin
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
01 JUN
AC 7900
Montreal
Gander
Daily
25 JUN
AC 362
Vancouver
Halifax
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
01 MAY
AC 8453
Calgary
Fort St. John
Daily
01 MAY
Returning and Previously Announced New Routes
Flight
From
To
Frequency
Start Date
AC 8680 AC 8682
Toronto
Baltimore
Double Daily
15 MAY
AC 8745 AC 8747
Toronto
Charlotte
Double Daily
01 MAY
AC 8705AC 8707
Toronto
Cincinnati
Double Daily
01 MAY
AC 8895AC 8897
Toronto
Indianapolis
Double Daily
15 MAY
AC 513
Toronto
Portland
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
27 JUN
AC 8795 AC 8797
Toronto
St. Louis
Double Daily
07 MAY
AC 8590
Toronto
Hartford
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8917
Toronto
Milwaukee
Daily
01 JUL
AC 8677
Toronto
New Orleans
Daily
01 JUL
AC 8865
Toronto
Kansas City
Daily
01 JUL
AC 1941
Toronto
Fort McMurray
Tues, Thu, Sat
03 MAY
AC 1975
Toronto
Nanaimo
Mon, Wed, Fri
29 JUN
AC 8410
Toronto
Gander
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8791
Montreal
Pittsburgh
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8735
Montreal
Raleigh
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8759
Montreal
Baltimore
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8771
Montreal
Nashville
Thu, Fri, Sat
02 JUN
AC 1285
Montreal
Phoenix
Tue, Sat
03 MAY
AC 527
Montreal
San Diego
Wed, Fri, Sun
20 MAY
AC 515
Montreal
Seattle
Daily
31 MAY
AC 1685
Montreal
Victoria
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
03 JUN
AC 8543
Montreal
Regina
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8545
Montreal
Saskatoon
Daily
01 MAY
AC 532
Vancouver
Boston
Daily
04 JUN
AC 8596
Vancouver
Sacramento
Daily
01 JUN
AC 539
Vancouver
Anchorage
Daily
07 MAY
AC 8482
Vancouver
Yellowknife
Daily
01 JUN
AC 1870
Vancouver
Quebec
Mon, Wed, Fri
02 MAY
AC 8869
Ottawa
Washington-Reagan
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8109
Ottawa
Winnipeg
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8182
Ottawa
Charlottetown
Daily
01 JUN
AC 8098
Ottawa
Quebec City
Daily
01 JUN
AC 7701 AC 7705 AC 7709 AC 7711
Ottawa
Toronto Island
Up to 4 times Daily
01 MAY
AC 8661
Halifax
Boston
Daily
24 JUN
AC 8549
Halifax
Goose Bay
Daily
30 APR
AC 584
Calgary
New York-Newark
Daily
01 MAY
AC 392
Calgary
Halifax
Daily
30 APR
AC 1872
Calgary
Quebec
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
01 MAY
AC 8289
Calgary
Castlegar
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8563
Edmonton
San Francisco
Daily
01 MAY
AC 8113
Edmonton
Yellowknife
Daily
01 JUN
Air Canada may continue to adjust its schedule as more opportunities arise or based on COVID-19’s trajectory and the further easing of government travel restrictions.
Travel Policy: Book with confidence
Air Canada’s new refund policy is applicable to all tickets purchased. It offers customers the option of a full refund to the original form of payment, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or the equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours.
To book your next trip and for most updated schedule, visit aircanada.com.
Travelling internationally? Visit our Travel Ready Hub for the latest government entry requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all government entry requirements, including holding the correct travel documents, visas, any required health certificates, and all other eligibility requirements for any flights they purchase. Government requirements may change with little notice.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.
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