Sunwing Airlines (WG, Toronto Pearson) has completed all scheduled 43 recovery flights to repatriate holidaymakers stranded when the airline cancelled its operations at Saskatoon and Regina airports on December 29 through February 3, citing logistical problems with seasonal flight schedules over the Christmas holidays.
The airline said its teams had “worked around the clock” to return passengers home while providing in-destination accommodation, subsistence and airport transfers. “Any remaining passengers in-destination are those who are rescheduling previously missed return flights or enjoying longer vacations […]. Any further scheduling changes are unrelated to the disruptions experienced over the holidays,” it said in a statement on January 3, 2023.
This followed severe criticism from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who slammed Sunwing for cancelling the flights for a whole month. “This is a very irresponsible decision by Sunwing for everyone who has booked a vacation, particularly those who are currently at their destination and are uncertain how and when they will get home,” he said in a statement on December 30.
On December 29, Sunwing announced the immediate cancellation of its flights from Saskatoon and Regina “due to extenuating circumstances”.
“Sunwing had initially planned to supplement seasonal demand for travel from Saskatoon and Regina with the assistance of temporary foreign pilots for the winter months. When foreign pilot deployment was not agreed to, we brought in sub-services to sustain our operations; however, the conditions and schedule have proven too significant for our sub-serviced aircraft partners. We have attempted to reposition Sunwing aircraft to support but have been unable to do so as a result of flight delays and cancellations brought on by recent weather disruptions and heavy demand over the peak holiday period,” it explained.
The airline apologised to impacted passengers and asked them to submit claims for compensation or refunds. On December 27, several Sunwing flights were delayed due to severe weather across Canada.
