Growing Demand Prompts More Flights to Cuba

Sunwing is increasing the number of weeks it’s offering direct flights from Charlottetown to Cuba this winter, say officials with the Charlottetown Airport.

Airport CEO Doug Newson said Thursday there is strong demand despite the downturn in the economy. Flights will begin three weeks earlier, on Feb. 17, and continue until April 28.

“So there will be 11 weeks of flights this year compared to eight the past couple of years,” said Newson. “As far as we can tell from talking to them, the advanced bookings appeared actually pretty strong.”

Newson said people who still have money to travel can take advantage of some competitive rates. The Conference Board of Canada says Atlantic Canadians are the only people in the country not cutting back on travel plans.

A survey by the board found 18.8 per cent of people are planning a holiday, which is up from 16.8 per cent last year. Nationally, the number of people planning vacations is down more than seven per cent.