The premier has written federal Transport Minister Anita Anand seeking Ottawa’s help in achieving more affordable air fares for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Andrew Furey recently met with PAL Airlines, and shared a copy of his letter to the federal minister on Twitter. The letter outlined his concern over what he calls the “disproportionately higher costs for air travel experienced by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Because air travel is federally-regulated, Furey says Ottawa has a “crucial” part to play in addressing costs and ensuring affordable air travel for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and all Canadians.
The premier’s response comes in the wake of a recent report released by the Goose Bay Airport Corporation, which showed that, since 2019, air fares have increased by 33 per cent in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 47 per cent in Lab West. That compares to the national average of 9.2 per cent.
He’s calling on the minister to work with the province, and “other partners” to find solutions that will ease the financial pressure on air travellers.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians often pay higher airfare than other jurisdictions, with a geographically large and spread out province. I met with @PALairlines and wrote federal minister of transport @AnitaAnandMP for help and cooperation as we seek more affordable air travel. pic.twitter.com/djWUNcWI2G
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) October 25, 2024