Travel

Canada flights: Air Canada suspends flights – can Britons return home?


Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic committee said it had decided to withdraw from the Olympics after consulting athletes, sports groups and the Canadian Government. The nation then called on the International Paralympic Committee (IOC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to call off the games for another year. A statement read: “While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community.” Now Air Canada has almost suspended all of its regular international flights, leaving many Britons concerned as to whether they will be able to fly back to the UK.

The airline has said it will continue to offer “international air bridges” between some cities throughout April.

The flag carrier airline – which serves more than 210 airports on six continents – is gradually suspending its flights by March 31.

The shock move is in response to the coronavirus pandemic which has seen more than 350,000 people infected across the globe.

However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel as the airline is looking to continue its flights between one or more of its Canadian hubs plus some major cities across the globe.

READ MORE: Woman reveals new symptoms in terrifying account of coronavirus

The network will reduce its US network from 53 airports to just 13.

However, New York airports such as LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airport will still be served by Air Canada.

Boston, Washington, DC (ICA and DCA), Chicago, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale will also be included.

The US and Canada closed their borders to all non-essential traffic last week.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “These measures will last in place as long as we feel they need to last.

“In both our countries, we’re encouraging people to stay home. We’re telling our citizens not to visit their neighbours if they don’t absolutely have to.”

He also added on Saturday: “We will also be working with other countries to ensure that our airlines have the permissions and other supports necessary to fly.”

However, social media users are frustrated as to why flights are still arriving from China into the country.

One Twitter user said: “Not sure Canada shut down earlier. They were accepting flights from China last week.”

Another said: “Looking for something to do while hanging out at home? Load up Flight Radar and watch AAAAAALLLLLLLL the planes from China land in USA and Canada. Good times.”

Another said: “Why is Canada still allowing flights from China. To this day?”

One disgruntled user said: “President Trump stopped flights from Europe more than a week before Trudeau. Canada was one of the last countries to restrict travel.”



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