Airlines Say Canadians Could Get ‘Stranded Abroad’ Due To Canada’s New Travel Rules

The heads of several major airlines have expressed their concern about Canada’s new travel rules, warning that some Canadians may end up “stranded abroad.”

As of January 7, all passengers arriving in the country will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding.

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[There's] a real risk that Canadians will now be stranded abroad. Canada's airlines

While the move is an attempt to curb the spread of the illness in Canada, airline leaders argue that the short notice and lack of wriggle room in the rules could result in people getting stuck outside of the country.

According to CBC News, the heads of Canada’s leading airlines contacted Transport Minister Marc Garneau about their concerns.

In a letter, they stated that there’s “a real risk that Canadians will now be stranded abroad."

"With the current timeframes and lack of clarity and detail, we must note particular concern over the very real prospect of Canadians of all ages being denied boarding and stranded at destination," it continues.

According to the message, the start date for the new rules is not feasible for airlines and thus should be moved to January 18, 2021.

The note was signed by the heads of Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Sunwing, as well as the International Air Transportation Association and National Airlines Council of Canada.

The new rules were announced last week and they come as multiple Canadian politicians were caught out taking non-essential trips abroad.