YXU get green light for international flights
Feds lifting ban on international flights at all Canadian airports that typically receive them
OATTAWA IS LIFING a ban on international flights at all airports that typically receive flights from countries around the world, including London International Airport (LIA).
International flights had previously been limited to just 18 airports in the country. This will allow international flights to return to London, Windsor and other airports.
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“Currently, only 18 Canadian airports can receive international flights. As of February 28, the ban on international flights to all remaining airports that normally receive international flights will be lifted,” said Federal Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra.
According to a report in the London Free Press, LIA has been in contact with carriers to see if it might be in line for winter designation flights for March Break and April, however aiport CEO, Schott McFadzean, said it is more likely additional flights will return to London in June when airlines commence with their summer schedules.
Prior to the pandemic, winter destination flights from London included Florida, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
The airport currently has 14 flights daily in and out of London, all to or from Toronto on Air Canada or WestJet and no international flights. Before the pandemic struck in March, 2020, LIA hosted 40 flights and 2,500 passengers a day in and out of the airport.
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McFadzean told the Free Press he is hopeful a number of domestic flights will return for the summer season, including Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.
“The airlines are optimistic for summer travel. We think the demand will be there. It is good news for London airport and the economy and hopefully we can get this bumping again.”
Also announced on Tuesday was an end to PCR testing for vaccinated travellers. Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says vaccinated travellers will no longer need a molecular Covid-19 test to enter Canada starting February 28 because the COVID-19 situation in Canada has improved.
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Travellers can instead opt for a rapid antigen test approved by the country they are coming from.
Unvaccinated children travelling with vaccinated adults who come to Canada will no longer have to isolate from school or daycare for 14 days.
Some fully vaccinated travellers might still be randomly selected for a molecular test at the airport, but they will not be required to quarantine while they wait for the result.
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Unvaccinated Canadians will need to be tested at the airport and isolate upon arrival.
The government also plans to lift its advisory urging Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside the country due to the risk of the Omicron variant. 
Story updated February 17, 2022