Pascan airlines cancels flights between Sydney, N.S., and Halifax

Pascan Aviation is ending routes between Halifax and Sydney, N.S.

Less than nine months after its first flight between Sydney and Halifax, Pascan Aviation is pulling up wheels from the McCurdy Sydney Airport effective July 20.

The airline started its operations out of the Cape Breton airport in October 2024 in response to strong community demand. Pascan originally offered two daily flights to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, using a 30-seat SAAB aircraft.

Last December, Pascan reduced the route to once daily on weekdays due to costs as well as travel needs in the community.

“We are disappointed with Pascan’s decision to exit the market, but we recognize that the level of utilization required to maintain this route was not met,” said Myles Tuttle, chief executive officer of the Sydney Airport Authority.

“The community has long awaited the return of this service so we worked hard to find a provider that would serve this route but the demand for this service ultimately fell short of what was needed to ensure long-term viability.”

Jon Patterson had a trip to Toronto with his wife and two sons booked for next month. Now, he has to try and find new tickets through a different airline.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to book through Air Canada to get back because we don’t want to have to drive to Halifax and add four hours up, four hours back, especially with the kids,” said Patterson.

The head of the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Megan Penney, is hopeful the Sydney Airport might be able to attract a new airline or route to fill the void. She says she heard some concerns about the prices of the Pascan flights, but figures, ultimately, there might not have been the demand people had been counting on for the flights to and from the provincial capital.

“Things have changed over the last number of years, even in terms of people travelling less for work from Sydney to Halifax. A lot more work is done remotely now,” she said.

The Sydney Airport Authority says it remains dedicated to enhancing air service in the region and continues to collaborate with airline partners, a news release from the airport reads.

“We are continuously seeing a steady increase in passenger traffic from Sydney year after year, reinforcing the strong demand for travel within our community,” said Tuttle.

“Our commitment remains unwavering in identifying the best opportunities to meet the needs of our travelers and ensure continued growth in air service options. We thank Pascan for their work in Sydney and wish them every success in their future operations.”

Pascan says anyone with flights booked beyond July 20 - the date it’s ceasing operations in Sydney - will be entitled to a refund.

The airline will continue all other routes.

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