Porter Airlines grounded until at least March 29

TORONTO — Porter Airlines has once more delayed its plans to restart flights, setting March 29 as a new tentative date, just over a year since it first suspended operations.

The regional airline said in November that it expected to restart flights on Feb. 11, but revised those plans in light of a continued surge in COVID-19 cases and new public health measures.

Porter’s announcement comes after Ottawa implemented a new requirement that international travellers provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival.

Porter suspended operations on March 21, 2020, due to the pandemic.

Michael Deluce, Porter’s president and CEO, said in a statement that the introduction of the vaccine has given the airline more confidence about setting a date in the near-term than at any point since the pandemic began.

Deluce added that the airline needs more time to assess the COVID-19 vaccine’s effect on travel and expects to issue another update on its operations this winter.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press

Staff Report

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*