Porter Airlines won't fly before Dec. 15

TORONTO – Porter Airlines fleet is staying grounded until just before the Christmas travel season arrives.

The Toronto-based airline on Tuesday announced it will extend its temporary service suspension until at least Dec. 15, the decision made because of continuing travel restrictions in place because of COVID-19.

The airline has been on pause since March 21 because of the virus.

Canadians travelling internationally face a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon returning home to the country, and with cases on the rise again in certain parts of Canada, the airline felt it was left with little choice but to keep planes on the ground.

“The flare up of COVID-19 cases in certain markets during the last month dampened any expectation of changes to government restrictions that will enable us to begin flying again in November,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, in a release.

“The federal government is indicating that they need more confidence about what course the pandemic will take before restrictions are reconsidered. We hope that lifting of travel restrictions will soon be possible given evolving technology, such as rapid testing, and health and safety investments that the travel industry is making.”

The airline says it will waive change and cancellation fees on all fares books through Dec. 15.