Air Canada ending flights between Sydney and Halifax
It was a little more than two months ago, an Air Canada flight from Halifax touched the tarmac in Sydney, marking the return of daily service between the two Nova Scotia cities.
In January, that flight will be suspended indefinitely.
“They weren't seeing enough uptake on the advanced bookings and they got a hold of us on Friday past to let us know that was their decision,” says Mike MacKinnon, CEO of the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport.
MacKinnon says Air Canada indicated to him earlier this year that there would be changes to some of the Atlantic Canadian routes in 2022.
“Because we had some advance notice, we weren't surprised. The recovery has been slow honestly. It's very busy in the summer months but in the winter it's been steady, but slow. We're at about 50 per cent of our passenger traffic,” he says.
For decades, the flight between Halifax and Sydney has been offered by the major airline.
In Moncton and Saint John there has been no change in service and a spokesperson says flights are doing well.
“I think it's important for our community to understand that we need to use our airport in order to maintain its viability,” says Kathleen Yurchesyn, chief executive officer at Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
WestJet continues to offer service to Halifax and Air Canada will operate daily flights to Toronto and Montreal from Sydney.
“I think this is a sign of growth to be able to fly from our small regional airport to Toronto and Montreal on a daily basis,” says Yurchesyn.
Mackinnon says one positive thing is travellers will still be able to connect to the rest of the country and beyond.
“The data shows that about 90 per cent of the passengers who fly out of Sydney are travelling to destinations that are well served by connecting through Montreal or Toronto, whether it's somewhere in Canada or internationally,” he says.
The last Air Canada flight from Sydney to Halifax will be January 10.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.