Sask. travellers see fewer flights this summer as Air Canada, WestJet reduce service

Air travellers in Saskatchewan will have fewer flight options this summer as WestJet and Air Canada reduce service on several key routes beginning in July.

The changes are part of a broader trend affecting airports across Canada, as airlines respond to rising operating costs driven largely by higher jet fuel prices linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East.

According to Regina Airport Authority CEO James Bogusz, who spoke to CBC News, some of the most significant reductions will affect flights connecting Regina with major hubs including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.

WestJet will also cut its Halifax service from twice weekly to once a week beginning in July.

This is essentially a return to last year's schedule, Bogusz told the outlet.

Another change will impact Regina's Minneapolis route. The flight, which has operated daily for more than two years, will be reduced to six days per week by July.

Airport officials say the adjustments are designed to help airlines manage costs while maintaining service.

As a result, travellers can expect fuller flights and less frequent departures. Bogusz estimates the number of available seats will decline by approximately five to six per cent, while base airfare prices are also expected to rise.

Saskatoon International Airport is also preparing for similar schedule changes. Its Minneapolis route, which operated daily last summer, now runs three times per week.

However, Saskatoon reports that both passenger traffic and seat capacity are expected to increase this summer compared with last year, a contrast to the outlook in Regina.

Officials say the annual summer travel surge should remain largely unaffected.

While Regina experienced growth in seat capacity over the past year, Bogusz told CBC that recent developments have effectively returned capacity levels to those seen in 2025.

The revised flight schedules are expected to take effect in July and remain in place through August.

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