Lois Larson
As of November 30, 2021, eight additional Canadian airports were reopened for international flights, bringing the total number of Canadian airports open to global travellers to 18. This move by the federal government was aimed at rebuilding the travel industry and reopening the country's borders. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra attributed this expansion to the increased vaccination levels in the country. However, there were requirements for travellers to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada. In December 2023, the Tulum International Airport in Mexico is also expected to welcome flights from Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | November 30, 2021 |
| Number of airports reopened | 8 |
| Total number of airports open to international travel | 18 |
| Requirements for travellers | Fully vaccinated |
| Age limit for vaccination requirement | 12 and older |
| COVID-19 test requirement | Negative molecular test |
| Exceptions | Partial vaccination with valid test until November 30, 2021 |
| Airports reopened | St. John's International, John C. Munro Hamilton International, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International |
| Future prospects | More airports expected to open based on recommendations from Health Canada |
| Impact | Positive effect on the travel industry, improved access to regional airports, economic growth |
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What You'll Learn
Eight more airports opened to international flights on November 30, 2021
On November 30, 2021, eight more airports in Canada opened to international flights. This brought the total number of Canadian airports open to global travellers to 18. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said that the increased vaccination levels allowed the Canadian government to safely reopen additional airports to international flights.
The eight airports that reopened include St. John's International, John C. Munro Hamilton International, and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International.
From November 30, all passengers and crew departing from Canadian airports must be fully vaccinated. This rule applies to travellers aged 12 and older using federally regulated modes of transportation. Even fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada. However, there are some exceptions for unvaccinated travellers from remote communities.
The Canadian Airports Council welcomed the news, emphasising the importance of regional airports to the international travel industry. They highlighted the need to reopen more airports to international travellers, especially for connecting remote communities to international hubs and providing specialised services.
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Vaccination requirements for travellers to Canada
As of November 30, 2021, Canada opened eight more airports for international flights. However, only fully vaccinated travellers were allowed to board a plane or train in Canada. This rule applies to travellers aged 12 and above. The government gave time until November 30 for international flight crew and travellers to get fully vaccinated.
Even those who were fully vaccinated had to show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada. Travellers were recommended to complete their COVID-19 vaccinations at least two weeks before departure. The volume of the vaccine dose differs by age: 0.25 mL (25 mcg) for 6 months to 11 years and 0.5 mL (50 mcg) for 12 years of age and above.
The vaccination requirements to enter countries like the US created problems for some Canadian travellers, especially those who received mixed vaccines. The CDC only accepted mixed doses of two vaccines in "exceptional situations".
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Testing requirements for travellers to Canada
As of November 30, 2021, 18 Canadian airports are open for international flights. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has stated that increased vaccination levels have allowed Canada to safely reopen additional airports to international passenger flights.
As per the Canadian government's travel guidelines, all travellers five years of age or older, regardless of citizenship, must provide proof of a negative laboratory COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be conducted within 72 hours of the traveller's scheduled departure to Canada and must be one of two types: a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test.
Travellers departing from certain countries were temporarily exempt from showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test, but they were strongly encouraged to get tested upon arrival in Canada. These countries included Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Haiti, until January 14 and 21, 2021, respectively. Travellers from the Caribbean or South America could use tests conducted within 96 hours of departure until January 14, 2021.
Upon arrival in Canada, travellers are questioned and observed by Canada Border Services officers for any indication of illness. Travellers displaying symptoms will be referred to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) officials for further assessment, screening, and questioning. All travellers must complete the full mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless exempted under the Quarantine Act. They must monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and submit this information electronically through ArriveCAN. If symptoms develop, travellers are advised to contact local public health authorities.
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The impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Canada's travel industry. The tourism sector, which employs about two million Canadians, was hit harder than almost any other industry. Travel bans, social distancing, and health measures abruptly shut down tens of thousands of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and airlines were forced to ground flights. In the first ten weeks, about 881,700 industry workers lost their jobs.
As borders gradually reopened, the industry faced new challenges, including labour shortages and fluctuating demand. Indoor dining, for example, was subject to frequent government restrictions, causing bookings to fluctuate wildly. Long lines at airports also created chaos and uncertainty.
Five years after the pandemic began, the industry is still recovering. Some companies have shifted their business models to cater to new trends, such as local tourism and sustainability. Regional roaming and environmental awareness have become more important to travellers, and some tour operators in British Columbia have incorporated beach cleanups into their itineraries.
The pandemic also affected the aviation industry. While air travel has returned to pre-COVID levels, smaller regional airports like London's are still far below their peak passenger numbers. Larger international airports like Pearson and Vancouver, on the other hand, have seen a faster recovery.
In late 2021, the Canadian government announced the reopening of airports to international flights, starting with 10 airports in November, with 8 more added to the list in November 2021. This was made possible by increased vaccination levels, and the government expressed hope that more travellers would have access to regional airports for international travel.
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New airports in Mexico welcoming flights from Canada
As of November 30, 2021, eight additional Canadian airports started accepting international flights, bringing the total number of Canadian airports open to international travellers up to 18. This expansion was made possible by the mandatory vaccination program for international travel, which requires travellers aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated before boarding planes, trains, or cruise ships in Canada.
Porter Airlines has recently announced new flights from Canada to two popular Mexican resort destinations: Cancún, Quintana Roo, and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. These flights will depart from Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW), and Hamilton (YHM) airports, with the latter being the only airline connecting Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta. This expansion strengthens the ties between Canada and Mexico, with Jalisco now connected to 17 airports across Canada.
Air passenger movement between the two countries has been on the rise, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. In 2024, 5.3 million passengers travelled between Canada and Mexico, marking a 10.41% increase compared to 2019. This growing trend highlights the increasing demand for travel between these countries, which is now facilitated by the additional Canadian airports open for international flights.
The new flights to Mexico offer Canadians more options for travel to Latin American and Caribbean beach destinations. With the expansion of Canadian airports accepting international flights, travellers can access more regional airports for their international journeys, making it more convenient to explore the world-renowned beaches and cultural attractions that Mexico has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Canadian airports are open for international flights. As of November 30, 2021, 18 airports in Canada accept international flights.
All travellers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada by air. Even those who are fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test upon returning to Canada.
Yes, as of November 30, 2021, only 18 out of 26 major Canadian airports were open for international travel.
