Air Canada cuts flights from Calgary for lack of pilots

2023-08-30 23:14:54

Air Canada will cut six mainline flights from Calgary starting in late October, in part because of an industry-wide pilot shortage.

The airline confirmed Wednesday that it will no longer offer nonstop flights from Calgary to Ottawa, Halifax, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Cancun or Frankfurt.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the cancellations were aimed at improving the airline’s “overall operational stability.” He added that Air Canada is facing pressure due to the continued shortage of pilots, as well as supply difficulties that make it more difficult to obtain parts and carry out the maintenance of its planes on time.

Air Canada remains fully committed to Calgary and the Western Canadian market, the spokesperson continued, and will offer nearly 10,000 seats per week from Calgary this winter.

Since August, Air Canada has reduced planned winter flight capacity across its network by 4.6% and reduced previously planned winter seat capacity by 2%. Two weeks ago, the air carrier had notably announced the suspension of several direct flights to the South from Quebec.