CLEVELAND, Ohio – Air Canada is suspending nonstop service between Cleveland and Toronto, a short flight that many Northeast Ohio travelers use to connect to destinations in Europe, Asia and throughout Canada.
The airline said it was suspending the route “for commercial reasons.” According to one source, the airline is experiencing issues with aircraft availability.
Air Canada service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to least five other U.S. cities is being suspended as well, including Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Hartford.
The suspension begins Oct. 13. A spokesperson for Air Canada said the flight would resume in early May.
Air Canada has flown the route for decades, since at least 1990, according to the airport.
Most Cleveland travelers on the flight are not headed to Toronto – an easy five-hour drive from Northeast Ohio – but rather use the route as the first leg on a longer trip. Air Canada flies from Toronto to more than 70 international destinations, including cities in Asia, Europe, South and North America.
Air Canada currently flies the Cleveland-to-Toronto three times per day on a Bombardier 76-seat CJR-900 aircraft. It is the only route offered by Air Canada in Cleveland.
The elimination of Air Canada from Hopkins will mean the airport is back to 10 carriers, at least temporarily. Earlier this year, Sun Country Airlines launched new service between Cleveland and Minneapolis, becoming the 11th carrier at the airport.
The airport, in a statement, said: “The airline industry is facing myriad challenges that can negatively impact capacity. Air Canada has served Northeast Ohio via Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for many decades and we look forward to that partnership continuing for years to come.”
Read more:
Delta Air Lines bringing back Cleveland nonstop route to western hub city
Want to fly someplace new? Airlines adding 11 routes from Cleveland Hopkins, all in one week