On August 8, 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.