Canada’s Flair Airlines to Close Kitchener Base, Add Charters

Flair Airlines will shut down its crew base at Kitchener-Waterloo Airport (YKF) on September 3, 2025, as part of a broader shift in business strategy aimed at strengthening the carrier’s financial position amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The decision, confirmed by Vice President of Commercial Operations Eric Tanner, includes a pivot toward expanding charter operations to secure more stable and guaranteed revenue streams.

Tanner told CTV News that Flair will reallocate aircraft and scale back scheduled passenger services following the summer travel peak. Despite the base closure, the airline will continue to operate scheduled flights from Kitchener. He emphasized that no layoffs are expected, and Flair’s inflight and maintenance teams will retain their positions. The maintenance base at YKF will remain fully operational and continue to play a critical role in the airline’s network.

According to ch-aviation data, Flair Airlines currently serves domestic routes from Kitchener to Abbotsford, Calgary, Edmonton International, Halifax, and Vancouver International. It is the dominant carrier at YKF, accounting for 79.3% of scheduled seat capacity, with WestJet holding the remaining 20.6%. The airline previously operated flights from Kitchener to Orlando, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta, but those routes have since been discontinued.

Flair Airlines operates a fleet of 18 Boeing 737-8s and 2 Boeing 737-800s, with operational bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver. The carrier has recently been exploring new investor partnerships to support its evolving business model and increase long-term resilience in Canada’s competitive low-cost airline market.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

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