Restoring Regional Air Access: Enhancing Connectivity and Growth Opportunities between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island

Today, Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, Hon. Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation representing the Government of New Brunswick, and Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown announced a partnership with PAL Airlines (PAL) that will enhance regional air access between the maritime provinces and provide better connectivity for travellers in the region.

Regional air connectivity between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island has long been a vital link for residents, businesses, and visitors across the Maritime provinces. However, service reductions in recent years—driven by pandemic-related challenges and shifting economic conditions—have left communities in the Maritimes without access to interprovincial air travel. To help restore these crucial services, the federal and provincial governments are jointly investing over $9 million into this regional air access initiative. 

The restoration of regional services in the Maritimes is a significant step forward in rebuilding regional mobility, strengthening economic resilience, and reconnecting families, professionals, and tourists. This enhanced commitment to air access comes as the direct result of a collaborative effort involving governments, airlines, and local airport authorities all working together to ensure the Maritimes remain connected, competitive, and accessible.

The three-year pilot program, jointly funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), provincial governments, and regional airports, will see PAL Airlines regional aircraft based in the region and using Halifax as a hub to provide additional connectivity to four other airports in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. 

The program is planning to offer daily flights connecting Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Fredericton and Moncton. Seats are anticipated to be offered for sale later this year, as flight timing becomes available.

Background: 

• In February 2023, the Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP) formed a working group on Regional Air Travel comprised of government and airport authority representatives.
• Working with InterVISTAS, the working group developed a strategy for restoring air access in the region.
• An Expression of Interest was issued and a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) followed to implement the strategy in partnership with a working group of Atlantic Canadian Airports.  PAL Airlines was the successful vendor selected in the RFP.  
• The three-year pilot project will be jointly funded by ACOA, the provinces, and the regional airports, including:
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – $5 Million
  • Provincial Governments - $4.2 Million
    • Province of PEI - $840,000
    • Province of Nova Scotia - $2.9 Million
    • Province of New Brunswick - $458,000
• On March 12, 2025, the Government of Canada announced up to $6 million over three years to help the four Atlantic provinces improve regional air service. Delivered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the funding would cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. Today’s announcement marks the first phase of the federal government's commitment.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to restoring air connectivity across all of Atlantic Canada — including Newfoundland and Labrador. Discussions with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are ongoing, and a separate announcement will be made once details are finalized.

Quotes: 

“Restoring regional air service between Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick is more than a transportation milestone—it’s a powerful step forward in reconnecting our communities, strengthening our economies, and supporting the people who call the Maritimes home. This renewed access will make it easier for families to stay connected, businesses to grow, and visitors to experience the best of what our region has to offer. We’re proud to work with our partners to deliver real results for Islanders and all Maritimers.” – Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island 

“The Maritime Provinces are strongly connected in our values, traditions, and industries. Regular connections by air, however, have been a missing link for businesses, residents and travellers, until now. Regional air access will strengthen the ties between our provinces and allow our economies to grow by increasing trade opportunities and further reducing trade barriers. Nova Scotia is proud to be at the centre of this work driving change in free trade nationwide and providing a vital connection between domestic and international destinations through the Halifax International Stanfield Airport and the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport. I'm excited to see what the Maritime region can accomplish over the next three years through this pilot.” – Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia

“Regional air connectivity between New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia is essential to our growth by making it easier for people to move, work and do business across our shared region. New Brunswick is working closely with our neighbouring provinces over the past few months to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and this collaborative effort to restore air access is an added benefit to ensure the Maritimes remain easy to access for residents, businesses and visitors to the region.”—Hon. Gilles LePage, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation 

“Strong air connections are vital to the growth, development, and sustainability of the Canadian economy. Today’s announcement is about improving these connections in the Maritimes — opening the door for new businesses, more visitors, and better access across our region. By working together, we’re rebuilding the local routes that keep our communities strong and our economy growing. We look forward to reaching a similar agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure all Atlantic Canadians benefit from improved regional air service.” 

– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

“Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for air service in Atlantic Canada. Restoring regional air access has been a top priority for our member airports, and this initiative is the result of years of collaborative effort. Strong air connections are vital, not only for business and tourism, but also for access to healthcare, education, and maintaining the ties that keep families and communities connected. On behalf of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association, I want to thank our federal and provincial partners for their commitment to building a more connected and resilient region.” – Nadia MacDonald,Executive Director, Atlantic Canada Airports Association  

“PAL Airlines is proud to partner with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Governments of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick on this exciting initiative. Our deep roots in Atlantic Canada have taught us the vital importance of connectivity in the region, both on to national carrier networks and between the diverse communities we call home. We’re looking forward to working closely with our partners to ensure this service is a success, offering new travel options, seamless connections and Aeroplan collection and redemption options to our customers for travel in the Maritimes.”– Calvin Ash, President, PAL Airlines 

Media contacts: