Canadian airline to launch winter nonstop flights from Tucson

Tucsonans will be able to catch a flight to Canada this winter when a low-cost airline based in Edmonton, Alberta, launches seasonal nonstop service to five cities from Tucson International Airport.

And local officials are hoping the flights will create a surge in Canadian visitors looking to escape the cold.

Flair Airlines, a fast-growing “ultra low-cost” carrier, plans to begin twice-weekly nonstop service in late November or early December to Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta, as well as weekly service to Lethbridge, Alberta; Prince George, British Columbia; and Windsor, Ontario.

Reservations are now available and promotional fares start at $99 one-way, with add-on fees for premium seating, baggage check and other extras.

With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve over 30 cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, including seasonal nonstop flights it launched last year from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton. Flair also flies to Cancun and Los Cabos, Mexico.

Flair was attracted to Tucson as a sunny, warm destination to lure Canadian winter travelers, said Garth Lund, the airline’s chief commercial officer.

“The Tucson brand is perhaps a little less well-known than other places, but the sunshine, the resorts, the golf, the hiking — it has so many great things to offer,” Lund said, adding that the airline is partnering with Visit Tucson to market the area.

The Flair flights will be the first commercial international flights out of TIA since Mexican carrier Aeromar dropped flights to Hermosillo in 2017 after less than a year of operations, though many private flights and cargo loads clear customs through Tucson.

Tucson International Airport, 2022 — The Flair flights will be the first commercial international flights out of Tucson International Airport since Mexican carrier Aeromar dropped flights to Hermosillo in 2017.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star

“This partnership opens up routes to Arizona that are currently underserved, and we are excited to welcome our Canadian neighbors with our warmth and hospitality,” said Tucson Airport Authority President and CEO Danette Bewley, adding that she looks forward to visiting Canada, perhaps in the middle of summer if the flights are expanded to year-round.

Under a five-year agreement, Flair will be eligible for financial incentives including breaks on landing fees, terminal rental credits and marketing support for each destination, said David Hatfield, senior director of air service development for the Tucson Airport Authority.