Canadian travellers could be affected as Air Transat cuts flights
Canadians looking to plan trips this summer or fall may want to keep upcoming Air Transat changes in mind.
Montreal-based Air Transat is the latest Canadian airline to make changes to its operations this summer. On Wednesday, the airline stated that it’s revising its program, focusing on certain routes due to “the unprecedented aviation fuel crisis and exceptional volatility in energy markets.”
“These measures are intended to optimize deployed capacity by prioritizing routes with the strongest performance outlook, as part of the Company’s ongoing operational discipline,” reads the statement.
The airline said it plans to reduce its capacity by six per cent, and these changes will remain in place starting in May until October 2026. Flights to Cuba are currently suspended due to the ongoing fuel shortage in the country, and according to the airline, the pause will continue, with service now set to resume on Oct. 25.
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The decision to reduce flights will also affect some routes to Europe and the Caribbean, with Air Transat scaling back service. Customers impacted by this decision are being assisted with alternative travel options.
Annick Guérard, president and chief executive officer, said that the entire aviation industry has been affected and that the company is closely monitoring the situation.
“We will continue to optimize our program based on demand, which remains strong,” she stated. “Additional measures may be implemented depending on how the situation evolves, beyond our control.”
Air Transat is just one of several airlines cutting back on flights.
On Monday, WestJet said it’s implementing “near-term measures” in response to the current fuel situation by reducing capacity by three per cent in May and another five per cent in June.
Air Canada has also adjusted to the global fuel shortage by temporarily suspending service from Toronto to New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport starting June 1, with service expected to resume on Oct. 25.