Air Canada suspends flights from Cleveland to Toronto

CLEVELAND – Air Canada says nonstop service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport will be “temporarily suspended” beginning in October.

While the last flight from CLE to Toronto will not be until October 13, the good news is that Air Canada is looking forward to resuming operations in early May next year.

Currently, passengers from Cleveland can fly to Toronto three times a day and often use this service as a springboard for onward travel to international destinations in Europe, Asia and other parts of Canada.

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So why is this happening? An Air Canada spokesperson told 3News that the airline made this decision for “commercial reasons.”

According to several media outlets, including 3News’ media partner Cleveland.com, Air Canada is suspending flights from Toronto to six US destinations this winter. In addition to Cleveland, the list includes Columbus, Cincinnati, Hartford, Indianapolis and Kansas City.

While Air Canada is reducing flights to U.S. cities in the Midwest and Northeast, the company announced last week that it is expanding its “winter sun network” by 50 flights daily from Canada, serving a total of 55 “Caribbean and U.S. sun vacation destinations.”

With Air Canada ceasing operations in Cleveland, the number of airlines at Hopkins Airport will be temporarily reduced to 10. Sun Country Airlines began service from Cleveland to Minneapolis and St. Paul in May.

“The aviation industry faces countless challenges that can negatively impact capacity,” Hopkins Airport officials told 3news. “This seasonal reduction in Air Canada service impacts several U.S. markets. Air Canada has served Northeast Ohio through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for many decades and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.”

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