Web News • 16 January 2023
Saskatoon YXE
Experts weigh in on the future of flights in Saskatchewan after a month of service disruptions
Sunwing Cancellation of Saskatoon and Regina flights
29 December 2022
We regret to inform Sunwing customers in Saskatoon and Regina that, due to extenuating circumstances, we are unfortunately cancelling our operations from both airports. The cancellations will take immediate effect and apply to travel from both airports up to and including Friday, February 3, 2023.
Sunwing had initially planned to supplement seasonal demand for travel from Saskatoon and Regina with the assistance of temporary foreign pilots for the winter months. When foreign pilot deployment was not agreed to, we brought in subservices to sustain our operations, however the conditions and schedule have proven too significant for our subserviced aircraft partners. We have attempted to reposition Sunwing aircraft to support but have been unable to do so as a result of flight delays and cancellations brought on by recent weather disruptions, and heavy demand over the peak holiday period.
We recognize that, despite our best efforts, we have failed to deliver on our customers’ expectations, and we deeply apologize for not meeting the standards of service our Saskatoon and Regina customers rightfully expect.
Please note that impacted customers with cancelled southbound departures will receive a full refund to their original form of payment. No action is required from customers and refunds will be processed within 30 days.
For our Saskatoon and Regina customers who are currently in destination, our team is proactively working to repatriate all customers with cancelled return flights, and more information on rescheduled flights will be communicated shortly.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption to our Saskatchewan customers’ travel plans, and are doing everything possible to repatriate those in destination in the coming days.
Sunwing returns to Saskatchewan this winter with affordable flights from Saskatoon and Regina beginning in November
Saskatchewan customers can enjoy great savings on sun travel during the tour operator’s Save More Event
TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwing is returning to the province of Saskatchewan this winter season, with weekly flights being offered from Saskatoon and Regina airports starting in November and running until April. The tour operator’s return will provide more options for local residents to travel to sun destinations this winter at affordable prices, at a time of rapidly increasing customer demand for tropical getaways.
“We are pleased to announce our winter flight schedule for Saskatoon and Regina, offering residents accessibly priced vacation packages with the convenience of travelling from their local airports,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. “With demand for all inclusive travel continuing to rise, we encourage our customers in Saskatchewan to book their winter getaways early to lock in their preferred resort in their destination of choice, while enjoying incredible savings during our Save More Event.”
“Saskatoon Airport is thrilled to welcome Sunwing back with a robust winter program. After several tough years, we know Saskatoonians, and residents from the surrounding communities we serve, are eager to escape the cold winter months and recharge with some much-missed sun and sand,” said CJ Dushinski, Vice President, Business Development and Service Quality at Saskatoon Airport. “Sunwing plays a big role in escaping the winter climate in Saskatchewan, and we eagerly await the first flight of the season!”
“We know that residents in southern Saskatchewan love to travel to sun destinations and there is a lot of pent-up demand from the last few years,” added Justin Reves, Manager of Customer Experience and Marketing at Regina Airport Authority. “That’s why we’re so thrilled to see this fantastic lineup of direct flights to a variety of incredible destinations with Sunwing.”
The flight schedules for Saskatoon and Regina will be as follows:
Saskatoon flight schedule
| Destination | Peak Frequency | From | To |
| Cancun | 2x weekly | 12-Nov-2022 | 10-Apr-2023 |
| Mazatlan | 1x weekly | 09-Dec-2022 | 07-Apr-2023 |
| Punta Cana | 1x weekly | 14-Dec-2022 | 05-Apr-2023 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 2x weekly | 13-Nov-2022 | 09-Apr-2023 |
| Los Cabos | 1x weekly | 08-Dec-2022 | 06-Apr-2023 |
| Varadero | 1x weekly | 13-Dec-2022 | 04-Apr-2023 |
Regina flight schedule
| Destination | Peak Frequency | From | To |
| Cancun | 2x weekly | 12-Nov-2022 | 10-Apr-2023 |
| Mazatlan | 1x weekly | 09-Dec-2022 | 07-Apr-2023 |
| Punta Cana | 1x weekly | 14-Dec-2022 | 05-Apr-2023 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 2x weekly | 13-Nov-2022 | 09-Apr-2023 |
| Los Cabos | 1x weekly | 08-Dec-2022 | 06-Apr-2023 |
| Varadero | 1x weekly | 13-Dec-2022 | 04-Apr-2023 |
Residents of Saskatoon, Regina and surrounding areas can enjoy more savings, more perks and more vacation fun during the tour operator’s Save More Event*, on now. Customers who book their winter escapes by November 6, 2022 will save up to 40% on vacation packages and enjoy added luxuries like room upgrades, exclusive beach access and more. Plus, with the purchase of one of Sunwing’s Worry Free insurance plans, customers can get even more value and peace of mind out of their winter getaways.
*Terms and conditions apply.
About Sunwing
The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.
Government of Canada supports Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport with new funding for critical infrastructure projects
SASKATOON, SK, Aug. 22, 2022 /CNW/ – As Canada’s air sector works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our airport infrastructure are crucial to keeping travellers, workers, and communities safe.
Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Annie Koutrakis, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced new funding to help the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airport will receive more than $1.7 million from the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program to expand one of the airport’s aprons, where aircraft park, to create additional space for the movement of larger aircraft. The funding will also be used to improve flight scheduling and connection times between flights for passengers, as well as establishing dedicated corridors to enable physical distancing at the airport.
This funding is in addition to the $10.9 million provided under the program in August 2021, for the rehabilitation of the primary runway and apron pavement surfaces, the installation of new LED runway edge lights, and the replacement of select storm drains.
The Government of Canada also provided the airport with $2.8 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Saskatoon and surrounding communities.
The pandemic highlighted the important role Canada’s airports play in our country’s economy, and in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our commitment to build safer, healthier and stronger communities as Canada recovers from the pandemic.
Quotes
“The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is a key transportation hub for much of central and northern Saskatchewan. It connects family and friends, helps travellers discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Saskatchewan businesses. This funding will enhance airport safety for travellers, air crews, and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”
Annie Koutrakis
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport
“As we move forward with the safe return of activity in the aviation sector, in a way that continues to support the health, safety, and security of all Canadians, it will be imperative that we continue to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector. These critical investments will allow the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and equipment needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport
“The Saskatoon Airport Authority is a partner in developing Saskatoon and Saskatchewan by delivering the most valued airport experience in Canada through its focus on safety, security, and customer experience. These funds will help ensure that we continue to support our community in providing safe and efficient long-term infrastructure for future growth and development.”
Stephen Maybury
President and CEO
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport
Quick Facts
- The Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, launched in May 2021, will provide $571.2 million in funding over five years to airports for eligible infrastructure projects related to safety, security, connectivity to mass transit systems, and testing and screening related to COVID-19 and its variants.
- The Airport Relief Fund, launched in May 2021, provided $64.8 million in funding in 2021-2022 for targeted airports whose 2019 revenues were less than $250 million.
Associated Links
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
WestJet brings back the heat this Winter
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
Air Canada cancellations cause ripple effect at Saskatchewan airport
Web News • 4 July 2022
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Air Canada cancellations not directly impacting Regina, Saskatoon airports
Web News • 30 June 2022
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Swoop celebrates launch of service in Saskatchewan with two inaugural flights to Saskatoon
The ultra-not-expensive airline adds non-stop service from Saskatoon to Edmonton and Winnipeg
SASKATOON, SK, June 14, 2022 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, celebrated its first flights in Saskatoon with the start of non-stop service to Edmonton and Winnipeg. Swoop flight WO584 from Edmonton landed at Saskatoon International Airport at 9:00 a.m. local time, inaugurating the airline’s presence in the province.
“As Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline, we are excited to be here in Saskatoon to continue our summer network expansion in Western Canada,” said Bob Cummings, President of Swoop. “We’re proud to be introducing ultra-convenient and ultra-affordable air travel options to residents of Saskatoon, enabling more Canadians to reconnect with friends and family this summer.”
Today’s two inaugural flights mark the start of the airline’s investment in the province. Later this week, Swoop will launch non-stop service connecting Regina with both Edmonton and Winnipeg. Later this summer, Swoop will introduce non-stop flights to Toronto from both Saskatoon and Regina.
“We welcome the addition of Swoop’s new routes at this crucial time of economic recovery and rebuilding. These affordable flights will offer more options for people to travel in and out of our city and region.” – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon
“Skyxe is thrilled to welcome Swoop to our city and our community,” said Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of Skyxe Saskatoon Airport. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, Swoop’s low-cost service will help to stimulate our community’s economy and provide affordable pricing options for Canadian travellers.”
With introductory fares from Edmonton to Saskatoon starting at just $69 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) |
| Saskatoon to Edmonton | June 14, 2022 | 2x weekly | $59 | $22.12 | $32.93 |
| Saskatoon to Winnipeg | June 14, 2022 | 2x weekly | $59 | $22.12 | $32.93 |
| Saskatoon to Toronto | June 22, 2022 | 2x weekly | $69 | $31.64 | $33.41 |
| Edmonton to Saskatoon | June 14, 2022 | 2x weekly | $69 | $19.64 | $32.93 |
| Winnipeg to Saskatoon | June 14, 2022 | 2x weekly | $59 | $7.12 | $32.93 |
| Toronto to Saskatoon | June 22, 2022 | 2x weekly | $69 | $19.99 | $33.41 |
Travel Period : Sept. 1 2022 – Oct. 15, 2022 | Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until June 21, 2022 (11:59 p.m. MT) or while seats last. | Prices displayed above are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted.
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.
Hopeful for the future: Sask. airports looking to better times in 2022
Web News • 8 May 2022
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