Mississauga’s Pearson Airport offers direct flights to Canada’s north for the first time ever

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Published November 25, 2021 at 5:43 pm

Pearson Airport will offer direct flights for the first time to Yukon and Northwest Territories starting next May. (Photo: Air North)

For the first time, Pearson Airport in Mississauga is looking to the north—way north—as it continues to add flights to and from destinations across Canada, North America and the world. 

Starting next May, Yukon-based Air North will for the first time ever take passengers via direct flights from Pearson to Whitehorse (Yukon) and Yellowknife (Northwest Territories). 

Air North, which has been operating direct flights to and from Ottawa on a seasonal service basis since 2014, is looking forward to the new direct connection with Pearson Airport. 

“As we look towards economic recovery in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories over the coming years, it has become evident to us that another connection to central Canada is going to be essential,” said Joe Sparling, Air North’s president and CEO, in a news release today. “Having a direct flight to Canada’s economic hub will kickstart opportunity for both territories.” 

Garry Njootli, president of the Vuntut Gwitchin Development Corporation and a member of Air North’s board of directors, added he’s excited about the opportunities the new route opens up. 

“We are looking to grow opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to secure our future, and shepherd opportunities for the Yukon and our partners in the Northwest Territories as well. Having this direct connection opens a lot of doors for growth for all of us,” he said. 

In addition to its Ottawa flights, Air North has flown numerous charter flights to Toronto over the years.  

Craig Bradbrook, chief operating officer for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which runs Pearson, said the launch of the new service marks a historic milestone. 

“Aviation drives economies and strengthens bonds by connecting businesses and people, and we look forward to the mutual benefits that this route will bring about, both for the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and for Ontario,” he added.  

Twice-weekly seasonal Air North service to Pearson, operating via Yellowknife, will begin on May 10, 2022 and run until the end of September next year. 

Flights are available for booking now. 

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