Porter Airlines to Close Halifax and Thunder Bay Crew Bases

Porter Airlines has announced plans to close its crew bases at Halifax and Thunder Bay, a move that will take effect on May 7, 2026, as the carrier continues to streamline operations and consolidate resources. The decision will affect approximately 60 employees across the two locations.

In a statement, Porter Airlines said affected staff have been offered the option to transfer to other crew bases, primarily at Ottawa International Airport or Toronto Billy Bishop City Centre Airport. The airline said the consolidation is aimed at improving operational efficiency and optimising crew deployment across its growing network.

“We found that consolidating crew bases in these two cities is the most effective way to organise crew and operate flights,” the airline said, adding that the changes are part of an ongoing review of its operating model as the network evolves. Porter stressed that the move relates specifically to flight crew bases and will not impact all aspects of its presence in the affected cities.

At Thunder Bay, Porter will continue to operate a small maintenance base, which will remain unaffected by the closure of the crew facility. The airline did not indicate any changes to scheduled services at either airport as a direct result of the base closures, suggesting that flight operations will continue to be supported by crews operating from other locations.

Porter Airlines operates under the air operator certificate of Porter Airlines Canada and has significantly expanded its footprint in recent years, particularly with the introduction of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft that have enabled longer-range services beyond its traditional eastern Canada focus. As the network has grown, the airline has increasingly concentrated crew and operational resources at larger hubs to support scheduling flexibility and cost control.

Despite the planned closures, Porter remains a major player in both Halifax and Thunder Bay. By capacity, the airline is currently the second-largest operator at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, holding a 20.5% market share, trailing only Air Canada. At Thunder Bay International Airport, Porter is the largest carrier, accounting for 41.3% of total capacity.

Industry observers note that base consolidation is a common strategy as airlines seek to balance workforce stability with the need for operational efficiency, particularly in a competitive domestic market. While the move may be disruptive for some employees, Porter’s offer of transfers suggests an effort to retain experienced staff as it continues to refine its network and cost structure.

Porter said it will work closely with affected employees in the lead-up to the closures to manage the transition and ensure continuity of operations across its Canadian network.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com