NEWS Then he added: “Stay tuned … we're going to have new announcements, new measures” as Canada begins to reopen to international travel. INDIA & PAKISTAN FLIGHT BAN EXTENDED The federal government is also extending its flight restrictions and third country pre-departure testing requirements for India and Pakistan until June 21, 2021. Passengers who depart India or Pakistan to Canada, via an indirect route, must obtain a COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada. Canada first announced a ban on flights from India and Pakistan on April 23, for 30 days, in response to record-breaking cases of COVID-19 in both countries. “These ongoing measures are in place to help protect Canadians and manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern into Canada during a time of increasing pressure on our healthcare system,” said Alghabra.
Air Canada to launch new Hawaii routes this winter MONTREAL — Air Canada is heading to the Aloha State this winter with nonstop service from Canada, including its first Montreal-Honolulu and Toronto-Maui flights. These new flights complement the airline’s long-standing services from Calgary and Vancouver to the Hawaiian Islands and will enable convenient connections across Canada as well as from Europe. According to Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management, Air Canada is seeing “strong demand” in sun markets this winter. “As we finalize our schedule to position Air Canada’s leadership in leisure travel this winter, we have added new nonstop flights to Hawaii from Montreal and Toronto in addition to our flights from Calgary and Vancouver, making it more convenient than ever for Canadians across the country to experience the Hawaiian Islands,” he said. “From Europe, customers will be able to easily connect to our Hawaii flights from our 26 | TRAVELWEEK | May 27, 2021
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Montreal and Toronto gateways. We know people will be excited to travel this winter and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.” Air Canada’s new Hawaii flights from Montreal and Toronto feature a choice of three cabins of service, including the airline’s premium travel experiences and Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat Executive Pods. Seats are on sale now for next winter. Montreal to Honolulu departs Wednesdays and Sundays and begins
“From Europe, customers will be able to easily connect to our Hawaii flights from our Montreal and Toronto gateways. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard.” Dec. 12, 2021, with connections to/ from Brussels, Frankfurt, intra-Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Toronto to Maui departs Saturdays and starts Dec. 19, while Toronto to Honolulu departs Mondays, Fridays and Sundays beginning Dec. 17, with connections to/from London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Vienna, Atlantic Canada, intra-Ontario and Manitoba.
Calgary to Honolulu departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting Dec. 18, while Calgary to Maui departs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays commencing Dec. 18, with connections to/from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and other Canadian markets. Vancouver to Honolulu departs up to daily in peak winter starting Sept. 14. Vancouver to Maui starts Sept. 10, also up to daily in peak winter, while Vancouver to Kona will start Dec. 19 on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Connections are seamless to/from B.C. and other Canadian markets. To provide reassurance to customers, Air Canada’s new refund policy offers options of refunds, an Air Canada Travel Voucher or equivalent value in Aeroplan Points with a 65% bonus should the airline cancel or reschedule a flight by more than three hours. This policy is applicable to all tickets purchased.
New Tourism & Travel grant to provide Ontario businesses with one-time payments TORONTO — More aid is coming to travel agencies and small tourism businesses, courtesy of the Ontario government’s new $100 million grant.