Labrador Air Access Program – Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the application ask for my MCP # and expiry date for booking a flight? 

The Labrador Air Access Program (LAAP) is only eligible to residents of Labrador and the Northern Peninsula, (as outlined by the Labrador Grenfell zone). By providing your valid MCP, the Department of Labrador Affairs can confirm your place of residence and your eligibility.   

By providing my MCP number, will you have access to my medical records? 

The Department of Labrador Affairs WILL NOT have access to your medical records.  The only data that will be accessible is your NAME, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS and MAILING ADDRESS.    

If I would like to travel with a group, do I need to fill out an application for every person travelling?   

You can only apply for up to five people and they must all reside in the same household.  A separate application must be made for additional persons  

My mother would like to apply to the program and she needs me to accompany her, but we live in separate households.  What do we do?  

You both need to make separate applications, however if both applications are approved and you receive the required travel authorizations, you may book both people when you contact PAL Airlines to make a reservation. 

Can I combine this subsidy with another discount? 

No.  Tickets purchased or reimbursed, in whole or in part, by another program or purchased or reimbursed in full or in part by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador or an organization cannot be used in combination with this subsidy.   

Do I need to know my return date if purchasing a one-way ticket? 

No.  You can include your anticipated date of return on your application, but it will not be booked until you call PAL directly to discuss eligible return dates, at your convenience. Please note, return flights MUST also be made a minimum of 28 days in advance of departure and requires a second LAAP application.   

What do I do if I need to change my travel plans after my flight has been confirmed and paid? 

Travelers can change or cancel flights 72 hours or more prior to departure. You must contact PAL directly to change or cancel.  For changes there will be a fee of $50 plus HST. If you cancel a flight 72 hours or more prior to departure, PAL will issue a credit equal to the amount you paid less a cancellation fee of $50 plus HST.  After 72 hours tickets cannot be changed and are non-refundable. 

Can I use this subsidy for work-related travel? 

No. this subsidy can only to be used for personal or leisure travel.  Work-related travel is not eligible.   

I cannot book the dates I want because the discounted seats are sold out. What can I do? 

If the discounted ticket is not available on a certain date, you must work with PAL directly to find dates that work for you based on seat availability.

If I book a flight before applying to the program will I receive a discount on my ticket? 

No. You need to apply and receive prior approval with a travel authorization number to avail of the discounted tickets.  

There are no discounted fares available at my airport, can I use another airport? 

Yes. If you are a resident in the Labrador Grenfell zone, you can fly from any airport in Labrador, Blanc Sabon and St. Anthony to St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake for the purpose of personal or leisure travel. 

I live in Deer Lake and want to visit family in Labrador City. Can I use the discounted fares? 

No. The program is specific to residents of the Labrador Grenfell zone and travel must originate from an airport in Labrador, Blanc Sablon or St. Anthony airports.  

I live in Goose Bay and would like to travel to St. Anthony.  Can I use the discounted fares? 

No. The pilot program is only eligible for the following destinations: St. John’s, Gander, Deer Lake or Goose Bay airport if originating from the North Coast. 

Can I book a ticket a year in advance? 

This is a pilot program, and travel must occur by March 31, 2026. All tickets must be booked no later than March 17, 2026. 

If I am attending post-secondary in Newfoundland, am I able to apply under the Labrador Air Access Program to return home? 

Yes. If you are a resident of the Labrador Grenfell Zone and attending a post-secondary institution in Newfoundland, you must provide proof of enrollment when applying for the program.  

 The application states “Applications must be submitted a minimum of 28 days in advance of travel to be eligible for assessment.” Does this mean I can only submit my application 28 days before my intended travel date? 

No. You can apply for travel right up to March 31st, 2026.  We actually recommend that you submit an application as soon as you start thinking about potential travel dates.  The 28-day timeline is used for internal assessment and includes the 14-day booking window with PAL Airlines.