Quebec government promises cheaper flights to and from regional airports

The Quebec government is investing $22.5 million to provide more frequent, more affordable flights to travellers flying to and from regional airports outside of the province's largest cities.

Transport Minister François Bonnardel made the announcement Friday from Sherbrooke Airport — which currently doesn't offer any commercial flights.

Bonnardel said the new program will allow new airlines to set up in places such as Sherbrooke, the hub of the Eastern Townships.

Existing airlines will also be able to tap into the fund to increase the number of routes they offer elsewhere in the province.

"Maybe this will encourage more Quebecers to travel by plane," said Bonnardel.

High prices, limited schedules

Municipalities across Quebec have been putting pressure on the province to improve regional air transportation.

"When there is service, people have to deal with high prices for something that is not flexible and too often, very limited," said Alexandre Cusson, the president of the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ).

For example, a return ticket from Gaspé to Montreal in September costs roughly $570 — not much less than the $680 it would cost to fly round-trip, Montreal to Paris, on the same dates.

"This isn't a luxury," Cusson said. "It's the key to the prosperity of our regions."

Cusson predicts the CAQ government's initiative will have a big impact on tourism and industrial development.

'Break the existing monopoly'

Last year, the former Liberal government announced it would reimburse up to 30 per cent of the cost of plane tickets for residents travelling to and from places like the Gaspé Peninsula, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region or the North Shore, up to a maximum of $500 per year.

The 2018 announcement also included a $100-million envelope to repair and invest in regional airport infrastructures.

Cusson said Friday's announcement goes one step further, to ensure the long-term viability of smaller airports.

He said this has been a recurring theme he's heard over the years from his members.

Gaspé Mayor Daniel Côté, the president of the UMQ's air transportation committee, said the main problem regions are facing is the high cost of air travel.

"This new program is a good way to attract new companies, to break the existing monopoly," said Côté.

Air Canada is the only airline that flies from Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands to Quebec City and then on to Montreal. 

"We know there are companies [that] are interested to serve Quebec regions like the Abitibi or Gaspé," he said. He said he's confident increased competition will result in lower prices for travellers.