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

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

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

Airport CEO Tammy Priddle said thatopens 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:

More flights into Deer Lake means more tourists for all Western Newfoundland, says industry leader

3 months ago

Duration 0:56

Porter Airlines is the latest to land at Deer Lake Regional Airport with its new daily direct flight to Halifax. Kristy Hoddinott, executive director of tourism management operations with Go Western Newfoundland, said the growth is an exciting development.

"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 toDeer Lake, following Flair Airlines and WestJet. Both of those airlines beganflights in Deer Lake in May.

Kristy Hoddinott isthe executive director ofGo Western Newfoundland atourism destination management organization. She said the new air routes arean 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."

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

Andrew Pierce, Porter'svice-president of network planning,told CBCNews the airline believes Deer Lake can be better exploited as a market. He saidit's clear that passengers want to access the region year-round.

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

Porter alsoannouncedthe airline will havea direct flight from St. John's to Ottawa beginning Thursday.

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

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

In an email to CBC News on Tuesday night, WestJet announced it'sstopping 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 alternateflight, 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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