Porter Has Officially Postponed All Flights Until Next Year ... At Least

It's due to rising COVID-19 cases. ✈️
Managing Editor, Canada

If you were hoping to take a vacation this Christmas, you may have to think again. Porter Airlines has updated its planned restart date — and it’s not until 2021.

In a statement shared on November 9, the Toronto-based company confirmed that their planes would not be taking off again until February next year.

The airline explained that rising COVID-19 cases and ongoing travel restrictions continue to have a significant impact on customer demand.

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The airline temporarily suspended operations back in March and has not operated at capacity since.

The company’s president, Michael Deluce, said the chances of returning to “sustainable levels” of passenger traffic before the end of 2020 is “highly unlikely.”

A day earlier, the federal government acknowledged that the industry is suffering as a result of the pandemic and said a “package of assistance” is being developed.

However, the government says it won’t bailout Canada's airlines until all eligible passengers get refunds for flights cancelled due to COVID-19.

WestJet has already started offering ticket refunds, but the company estimates it could take months for all passengers to be reimbursed.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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