Air Canada Suspends Flights To 14 Destinations Due To A Spike in Covid Cases

Air Canada Suspends Flights to 14 Destinations Due To A Spike in Covid Cases

In the wake of an important increase of COVID-19 cases, Air Canada has temporarily suspended all outbound flights to 14 of its Caribbean routes, according to a travel advisory issued by the company on Jan. 5, 2022.

“Air Canada will be suspending some flights to Sun destinations from January 24 until April 30, 2022,” reads the press release.

“Suspended destinations include Antigua, Aruba, Samaná [Dominican Republic], Curaçao, Exuma [The Bahamas], Grenada, Puerto Plata [Dominican Republic], Santo Domingo [Dominican Republic], Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Havana [Cuba], Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.”

This confirmation comes after the airline issued a “clarification” on Jan. 3, 2022, in which it stated that the suspension of service to Mexico and the Caribbean was taken from a press release from January 2021 by mistake.

It caused confusion across media outlets. But Air Canada has now reconfirmed the suspension of flights to the above-mentioned destinations, although this time around it did not include Mexico.

Air Canada headquarters in Montreal, QC, Canada
Air Canada headquarters in Montreal, QC, Canada

“As we continue the winter season, a resurgence of COVID and new government regulations have reduced demand in some sun destinations, leading to unavoidable disruptions to Air Canada’s flight schedule from Jan. 24 to April 30, 2022,” said Air Canada Vacations vice-president Nino Montagnese, in a message to partners.

Passengers affected by this decision will be issued a full refund. Air Canada has committed to contacting all customers in order of departure date. 

Air Canada also plans to operate inbound flights to bring back customers who are currently visiting any of the affected destinations.

The specifics of returning flights have yet to be confirmed. The airline has essentially emphasized that these travelers must adhere to the current COVID-19 restrictions in order to enter Canada.

Present travel requirements include proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure to Canada, which applies to anyone over the age of five. 

Montagnese further stated that, while the current situation may resemble the one in January 2021, the landscape this year is totally different.

“…Unlike the heavy restrictions that kicked off 2021, this setback is a molehill, not a mountain. And this year is nothing like the last. We’re stronger, wiser and well-prepared to manage the potential effects of COVID-19.”