The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a new agreement with PAL Airlines to provide an intraprovincial air travel loop between St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake.
The routes will run seasonally from June 15 to September 20, 2025, operating four days per week, creating the potential for economic benefits for the tourism industry.
This represents a significant step forward in enhancing intraprovincial travel for both residents and visitors – an important objective outlined in Vision 2026. Strengthening the connections between St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake will provide travellers with more flexible options for connecting flights at all three airports, whether they are arriving, exploring the province, or preparing to depart.
The goal of this new initiative is to strengthen intraprovincial connectivity to drive tourism and economic growth. This new service gives travellers more ways to arrive, explore, and depart — creating a more connected, convenient and traveller-friendly Newfoundland and Labrador. With visitors in mind, arrival and departure times are designed for maximum connectivity through PAL’s broader network and partnerships so that passengers can access domestic and international markets. Visitors can explore more, stay longer, and travel smarter around the province.
The Provincial Government continues to communicate with Labrador airport partners on options to improve air access and continues with its advocacy to the Federal Government regarding the burden of federal fees, charges and other taxes that place a strain on passengers, airlines, and airports.
Budget 2025 allocates $15 million for tourism marketing and air access, which includes an additional $2 million to support Vision 2026: Transition, Transform, Thrive, a five-year strategy to transition Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry through its recovery from the pandemic, transforming it into a thriving tourism destination. This investment ensures the continuation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s award-winning marketing strategies and the continuation of air access development with airport and airline partners.
Quotes
“This is a positive move in the right direction in terms of expanding air access within the province. The more successful this seasonal service is, the more we can look toward the future and further route development options. We respect the concerns coming from the Labrador region and continue to work with Labrador airport partners on options for expanded access between Labrador and the island.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This seasonal service will increase the frequency of flights from St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake – enhancing connectivity within the province and to key domestic and international destinations. It’s a valuable step forward for improving travel convenience and strengthening our tourism industry.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“PAL Airlines understands the importance of air connectivity for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and for the leisure travellers we’re proud to welcome to our province every year. This new route enhances our schedule, giving passengers even more options to build itineraries that best meet their needs. PAL Airlines also appreciates the teamwork behind this additional service and looks forward to continuing our work with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, our airport colleagues, and our tourism partners to ensure this service is a success.”
Calvin Ash
President, PAL Airlines
“The St. John’s International Airport Authority welcomes this announcement as a meaningful step toward enhancing intraprovincial travel. Our mission is proudly connecting Newfoundland and Labrador with the world and that includes strengthening connections within our own province. This new service will greatly benefit residents by improving air access and open new opportunities for visitors to explore more of what our province has to offer.”
Dennis Hogan
CEO, St. John’s International Airport Authority
“For visitors, this means less time in transit, and more time in Twillingate or Tilting. There’s also the added benefit of more options and capacity that connect to robust legacy airline networks, especially at peak periods when seats are scarce.”
Reg Wright
President and CEO, Gander International Airport
“Deer Lake Regional Airport welcomes the new triangle route, increasing connectivity between St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake for visitors and business travellers. This new route will allow more people to access our beautiful region for leisure and business and demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to enhancing air access for our province.”
Tammy Priddle
President and CEO, Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority
“The vastness of our geography is often underestimated by guests when planning travel to see the iconic landmarks and experience amazing nature-based activities. Guests want to maximize their time exploring and discovering new places. These flights give our visitors greater access to explore more of the province in a timely and efficient manner. This ultimately means more time in communities and more time to fall in love with this place we call home.”
Jill Curran
Owner, Maxxim Vacations
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Vision 2026
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