THUNDER BAY — Two of the four national carriers that serve the Thunder Bay airport have announced changes that affect travel both eastbound and westbound.
Overall, eastbound service will be reduced, while westbound service is slightly improved.
Effective Jan. 16, 2023, Air Canada service from Thunder Bay to Toronto will be cut from three daily return trips to twice a day.
A spokesperson says it's part of seasonal adjustments the airline is making to its winter plan "to build more resiliency into the overall 2023 schedule," but Air Canada plans to return to three daily return trips as of May 1, 2023.
WestJet has also announced a schedule change to Thunder Bay operations as part of a new strategic direction the company announced earlier this year.
A spokesperson didn't provide full details, but said WestJet's winter schedule includes once-daily flights from Thunder Bay to Toronto, with a secondary flight added on weekends between November and January, to help ensure "seamless connectivity to sun and leisure destinations."
At the same time, the company is increasing service between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg during the winter from five times a week to daily service.
The spokesperson said WestJet is furthering "its strategic transition of flying in Eastern Canada to focus on enhanced non-stop connectivity to Western Canada, as well as sun and leisure destinations."
Thunder Bay remains well-served by national carriers, with flights also being provided by Porter Airlines and Flair Airlines.
Travellers should check with airlines or travel agencies to get up-to-date schedules.
