Airlines

Direct Toronto Flights Resume From Nanaimo Airport

Direct flights to Toronto are scheduled to resume on a limited basis in July at the Nanaimo Airport.

The Air Canada flights are part of a measured reopening of the economy and will boost Vancouver Island’s vital tourism and hospitality sectors and make it easier for Islanders to visit and host family and friends from Eastern Canada via the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Dave Devana, president and CEO of Nanaimo Airport Commission, said: “Air Canada is a valued partner that supported Nanaimo Airport during the pandemic and continues to support us during reopening. We share a commitment to safety and have comprehensive plans to ensure passengers can travel safely while reconnecting with family and friends.”

The non-stop flights start July 4, after B.C.’s July 1 planned reopening date for domestic travel within Canada. One flight a week is scheduled initially. The schedule may expand in August depending on the reopening plans and success of the vaccination programs in Canada.

As well, Air Canada will resume its service to Calgary starting July 1, with five flights planned per week. The airline’s Nanaimo services will return to all three airports it served in summer 2019: Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.

Mark Galardo, senior vice president, network planning and revenue management at Air Canada, observed that: “With Canada’s ongoing vaccine roll-out acceleration together with various provincial governments’ reopening plans that include travel, this summer is looking brighter.”

Galardo continued: “As customers are ready to travel, Air Canada is taking a leadership position to support our partners in Canada’s tourism and hospitality sector with service to 50 destinations from coast to coast, the re-start of regional services and new, non-stop flights. We are thrilled to resume our non-stop flights from Nanaimo to both Toronto and to Calgary, offering additional choices to and from Vancouver Island.”

Devana notes that this flight signals the restart of air travel and the domestic tourism and hospitality sectors on Vancouver Island, continuing: “The direct flight to Toronto shows that Air Canada has a vested interest in Nanaimo Airport by putting this route on our schedule as we prudently look to reopen our economy.”

Nanaimo Airport will resume its role as the central Island’s gateway, thanks to connecting flights that put domestic destinations, business markets and employment opportunities within easy reach.

Anthony Everett, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island, said: “Air access to Vancouver Island is a critical component for the long-term recovery of the tourism industry in our region,” “It is a positive sign to see a major carrier making this investment in the Mid-Island as the restart of travel begins.”

For more, go to www.nanaimoairport.com .