Canada’s budget airline, Swoop, has announced that it will be expanding its summer operations to include Victoria as a destination.
The airline had previously postponed plans to expand operations onto Vancouver Island as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but now plans to bring its “ultra-low fares” to YYJ this summer, starting on May 20.
“Our summer schedule expansion is in response to strong advance sales and in anticipation of demand from Canada’s most price-conscious travellers as they look towards the accelerated pace of vaccine rollouts across the country,” said Charles Duncan, president of Swoop. “We are thrilled to be offering Canadians even more opportunities to connect with British Columbia’s vibrant West Coast and Okanagan region this summer.”
Swoop will offer two routes from Victoria, flying to Toronto and to Edmonton.
Swoop says it will fly from Victoria to Toronto up to six times weekly and to Edmonton up to seven times weekly.
When using Swoop’s online booking portal, a flight from YYJ to Toronto costs $257 after taxes while a return flight from Toronto to YYJ costs $273 after taxes. That totals approximately $531 for a round-trip flight across the country.
“As the economy begins to reopen, we are pleased that Swoop recognizes Victoria as a destination that travellers will look forward to returning to or discovering the beauty and culture that Victoria and Vancouver Island has to offer for the first time,” said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO.
Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria adds that it is important to have reliable transportation to and from the Island for the visitor economy as well, once the pandemic subsidies and tourism starts back up again.
“There are other benefits to a low-cost carrier like Swoop entering market as well. It means Greater Victoria becomes an option for visitors that might not have considered air travel without ultra-low-cost carrier options,” said Nursey.
“Increased competition amongst transportation providers means consumers have more choice for how they experience Greater Victoria.”
Additionally, Swoop said that this summer will see new routes added to flights out of Kelowna as well. Beginning June 20, service to Kelowna will now be available from Hamilton, Ontario and once again from Winnipeg.
More information and opportunities to book a flight later this year can be found on Swoop’s website.
Graham Cox
