Statement by Premier King regarding Air Service Reductions

Premier Dennis King today expressed deep disappointment in the announcement from WestJet on the suspension of services to Charlottetown and called on the Federal Government to act urgently to support air access to Prince Edward Island.

“It was less than a year ago that WestJet announced expansion of service to PEI. We were excited about the prospects for growth and greater connection to the rest of Canada. Today, Islanders are faced with limited air access, which has a direct impact on families and businesses.           

For several months, I have consistently raised concerns about tourism and travel with the Prime Minister and the Federal Government, and for months I have been assured that support would be provided to these sectors. I once again call on the Federal Government to urgently address the pressures being faced by tourism and travel businesses, which play such a vital role in Prince Edward Island.

The Charlottetown Airport Authority has worked hard in the context of COVID-19 to ensure good service for Islanders. Ours was one of a few airports in the region that maintained low fees for airlines and passengers when traffic decreased dramatically.  We will continue to work with the Authority, as well as the tourism and business communities, to advocate for needed access to PEI.

I look forward to conversations tomorrow with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, on how the Federal Government will commit to support air access and tourism.”            

Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca