Waterloo region's airport to get busier as Flair Airlines expands destinations in 2023

Waterloo region's airport is expected to see more foot traffic in the coming months as Flair Airlines says it will increase flight frequency, attain more planes and offer new destinations by next summer.  

The airline held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to highlight the first phase of its summer 2023 growth announcements, which focused on more flight frequency to existing markets. Phase two, which will be announced at a later date, will detail new destinations and incremental flight frequencies.

By the end of next summer, the airline says it aims to have a total of 27 aircraft, be present in 28 cities with 77 routes. 

"The entire seat growth year-on-year from summer 2022 to summer 2023 will be approximately 50 per cent. A 35 per cent growth is being announced today with these incremental frequencies and the balance will come with our phase two announcement," Stephen Jones, CEO of Flair Airlines, said during the press conference.

Jones said the airline's growth means bigger markets, like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary will see more flight frequency. The airline plans to add frequencies to 41 routes to give passengers more flexibility.

Growth for Waterloo region

Flair's growth means the Region of Waterloo International Airport will see an additional six daily departures, said Eric Tanner, vice president of revenue management and network planning.

"Having six incremental flights represents a 600 per cent increase in the number of daily flights versus before Flair came to the airport," Tanner said.

"We're excited about our growth to Kitchener and we're looking forward to building on that momentum."

Tanner adds the airline also plans to have a third aircraft operating out of the region's airport by next summer. 

Flair is also extending its service to Mexico and other seasonal destinations, which will see flights to Cancun from the region. It's also planning a 50 per cent increase in flights to Newfoundland and Labrador from the region.

Construction to double the size of region's airport has been underway since last fall. It's a $35 million renovation project that is expected to wrap up in the spring.

Rod Regier, the region's commissioner of planning and development, told CBC K-W earlier this month there's a new departures lounge that is fully operational and a new arrivals lounge with two large luggage belts.

"We regularly have two or three airplanes boarding or disembarking and there's a lot more space for everybody to feel more comfortable," Regier said.

He said the next stage of the renovation is the construction and installation of a new baggage handling system and check-in area.