Tourism operators excited about flights returning to N.L. but there is turbulence ahead

Porter Airlines landed at Deer Lake Regional Airport for its first flight for new daily route to Halifax on Tuesday. (Alex Kennedy/CBC)

Porter Airlines has officially landed at Deer Lake Regional Airport, the latest in a series of new flights the people in western Newfoundland's tourism industry say is exciting for the summer season.

The airline launched a daily service to Halifax on Tuesday. The flight leaves Deer Lake at 3:30 p.m. each day.

Airport CEO Tammy Priddle said that opens up options for locals and tourists looking to explore western Newfoundland.

"Western Newfoundland has a very high quality tourism product and we are the gateway to western Newfoundland, but also going into north of here and then east," Priddle said.

WATCH | See why tourism industry leaders says more flights is fuel for the region 

"It's very important for us to be able to have as many different options to keep costs affordable and the more options we have, the more competition there is for the destination. And that certainly helps people make that decision to choose to come into Newfoundland and Labrador."

Porter is just the latest airline to introduce flights to Deer Lake, following Flair Airlines and WestJet. Both of those airlines began flights in Deer Lake in May.

Kristy Hoddinott is the executive director of Go Western Newfoundland — a tourism destination management organization. She said the new air routes are an exciting development as summer gets underway.

Air travel plays a key role in getting people to the region, she said, adding that 75 per cent of non-visitor travel to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023 happened by plane.

"I think a lot of people forget how big Newfoundland and Labrador is, and so it's always exciting to have this gateway in western Newfoundland," Hoddinott said Tuesday.

"Air access is always critical to, like, the growth and success of the tourism industry in this region. Not just in western Newfoundland, but the province in general. So like more connectivity with the introduction of new airlines … that all helps us grow visitation into western Newfoundland."

Deer Lake Regional Airport CEO Tammy Priddle, left, and Go Western Newfoundland executive director Kristy Hoddinott say the arrival of new flights is a big boost for the tourism industry. (Alex Kennedy/CBC)

Corner Brook's tourism season continues into the fall. The city had its first cruise ship of the season arrive on Wednesday and bookings are scheduled as late as Nov. 1.

Andrew Pearce, Porter's vice-president of network planning, told CBC News the airline believes Deer Lake can be better exploited as a market. He said it's clear that passengers want to access the region year-round.

He said the current offering at the airport will likely serve purely as a connection to the mainland for now, but didn't rule out future expansion into other travel hubs like Toronto or Ottawa.

Porter also announced the airline will have a direct flight from St. John's to Ottawa beginning Thursday.

WestJet to suspend St. John's to Toronto flight in October

But while some airlines are expanding in Newfoundland and Labrador, another is announcing the suspension of a key route.

In an email to CBC News on Tuesday night, WestJet announced it's stopping flights from St. John's to Toronto after Oct. 27. Anyone who booked a flight for after Oct. 28 has been notified and offered a refund or alternate flight, the email said.

"While we are adjusting our winter schedule and removing service to Toronto, we remain committed to St. John's and the greater Newfoundland community," the statement read. "We know how important our presence is for the region and we will continue to evaluate all opportunities that would further enhance connectivity for the city and province."

WestJet declined an interview request from CBC News.

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