First Minister condemns Province’s neglect of Labrador’s air transportation needs

May 12, 2025

Nunatsiavut First Minister Melva Williams is frustrated and disappointed with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador over its failure to address critical air transportation needs for the people of Labrador.

“While the government touts its recent partnership with PAL Airlines as a step forward for interprovincial connectivity, communities in Labrador have once again been left behind.”

A newly-announced $15 million air service agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and PAL Airlines aims to enhance tourism links between St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake, while the concerns of Labrador residents – especially those living in isolated coastal communities, where exorbitant airfare costs make access to essential services nearly impossible – are being ignored, says the First Minister.

“For the people of Labrador, especially those who live in Nunatsiavut, air transportation is not a luxury, but a lifeline. It is unacceptable that the provincial government continues to prioritize incentives for the island of Newfoundland while failing to recognize the unique transportation challenges we face in Labrador.”

The issue of affordable air transportation within the region has been raised repeatedly in the past by the Nunatsiavut Government with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We expressed our disappointment last year when an air subsidy was provided to reduce costs on WestJet flights between St. John’s and Europe, and stressed that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a responsibility to improve air access to Labrador Inuit communities, and help make travel, food and basic needs more affordable.”

The First Minister also notes that Québec government recognizes the importance of addressing air transportation challenges in remote regions through its Regional Air Access Program, which provides a 60 per cent subsidy on flights between Wabush and destinations within Quebec.

“We have called on the Government of Newfoundland to implement similar programs to make air travel more affordable,” she says. “It is deeply frustrating that despite clear examples of successful programs elsewhere, our government continues to overlook the realities the people of Labrador face on a daily basis.”

Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582

NT5