International flights to resume at eight additional Canadian airports

The Government of Canada is prioritising the health and safety of all people in Canada by continuing to take a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening the border. Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures is informed by the available data and scientific evidence, including the vaccination rate of Canadians, and the improving epidemiological situation.

The strict vaccine travel requirements that will be fully phased in by 30 November 2021, and the pan-Canadian proof of vaccination credential now available for travel, are creating opportunities for safe travel for vaccinated Canadians.

As a next step in increasing travel opportunities, Transport Canada is easing the restriction on international flight arrivals. The department is expanding the scope of the existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that currently directs international passenger flights into ten Canadian airports.

Effective on 30 November 2021, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at the following additional Canadian airports:

• St. John’s International (YYT)
• John C. Munro Hamilton International (YHM)
• Region of Waterloo International (YKF)
• Regina International (YQR)
• Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International (YXE)
• Kelowna International (YLW)
• Abbotsford International (YXX)
• Victoria International (YYJ).

These airports, in co-operation with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and Transport Canada, are working to implement the measures necessary to start safely welcoming international passengers as of 30 November 2021.

Consideration will be given to adding additional airports as conditions dictate, based on demand, operational capacity, the epidemiological situation in Canada, and recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Government of Canada continues to work closely with airports and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to protect travellers and workers.

Border and public health measures remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves.

Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport said: “Increased vaccination levels have allowed us to safely re-open these additional Canadian airports to international passenger flights. This measure will help ensure that travellers are able to access more regional airports for their international travels this winter, while continuing to support the Government of Canada’s measured approach to re-opening our border.”

Daniel-Robert Gooch, President of Canadian Airports Council (CAC) commented: “One of the most important lessons from COVID-19 was how important smaller regional airports are to the entire network.  They connect remote and northern communities to international hubs, and provide huge amounts of specialised care, including emergency and medical services. Yet, they are the ones that are waiting longest to regain international access. If anything, international flights should be expedited to these communities, not further delayed.”