Harbour Air to suspend all flight operations starting this weekend

All scheduled flight operations by Harbour Air will come to a halt beginning this Saturday, in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

The commercial seaplane airline says it is making the decision to prioritize safety for both passengers and employees, given that effective physical distancing is not possible on its small seaplane aircraft.

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“We understand the impact that this decision has on the communities we service, and because we don’t want to leave anyone stranded, as we are deemed an essential service in the province, we will continue to offer charter services which will include private flights, freight and government support services as required,” reads a bulletin.

Chartered and private flights will use the larger DeHavilland Otter aircraft, which allows for greater onboard physical distancing. Enhanced cleansing and disinfecting measures will continue.

Harbour Air currently plans to resume its scheduled flight operations on May 4.

The seaplane airline serves approximately 18 destinations, including Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport’s water terminal, Victoria Inner Harbour, Nanaimo Harbour, and Seattle Lake Union.

It has an aircraft fleet size of approximately 40 seaplanes, and typically carries about 500,000 passengers annually.