Air Canada to end flights to and from North Bay

Air Canada is axing all service to North Bay at the end of January, citing commercial reasons. The move has angered local officials. Eric Taschner has more.

Air Canada announced Friday it will end service in North Bay as of Jan. 30, 2026.

The news was part of a series of changes the airline announced in a news release, adding that the decision was driven by “commercial viability reasons.”

“In the normal course of business, we review our schedule on a regular basis and make adjustments accordingly,” Air Canada said in a statement to CTV News.

“As mentioned, we took this difficult decision on the basis of the commercial viability of the route.”

End of 90-year partnership

Officials with the North Bay Jack Garland Airport released a lengthy statement in reaction to the news, saying they were disappointed by the decision.

“For nearly 90 years, this partnership has served our community, as well as Air Canada, and we therefore look forward to future possibilities together,” the statement said.

Airport manager Bryan Avery said in the statement that they are “devastated by the airline’s decision.”

“Air Canada has consistently played a vital role in connecting North Bay to Toronto and beyond, and their decision will have a negative impact to our community and travellers alike,” Avery said.

“It is unfortunate that Air Canada no longer has the ability to provide meaningful air service to regions they previously served across Canada, operating increasingly larger aircraft with less frequency across their network.”

National strategy

All passengers with reservations after Jan. 30 or who have other inquiries are advised to contact Air Canada directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Avery said Canada needs a national strategy “to ensure that all communities continue to have regional air service and the opportunities it enables for growth across all sectors.”

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort said in a statement that “North Bay deserves better.”

“In concert with Jack Garland Airport and the City of North Bay, as the federal representative for this riding, my team will explore all avenues of advocacy to support the aviation and tourism industries in North Bay affected by this suspension of service,” Rochefort said.

And North Bay Mayor Chirico said in his statement that the decision will have a negative impact on residents and visitors alike.

“Air service is essential for regional transportation, economic development and tourism,” Chirico said.

“The loss of this service weakens this region’s connectivity and competitiveness. For years, our community has supported Air Canada, and we expected more from our national carrier.”

The city will be advocating to have the service restored, he added, “and exploring new partnerships to keep our region connected and competitive.”

Chris Mayne, who is both a city councillor and a travel agent, said the service is one of the selling points to businesses considering moving to North Bay.

“If they leave, that might be an opportunity for Porter -- and Porter also flies out of Pearson Airport, as well as Toronto Island,” Mayne said.

While North Bay is losing its service, Air Canada also said it was adding daily flights to Toronto in and out of Greater Sudbury. Flights will increase from two to three daily, year-round, effective Feb. 1, 2026.