Airlines in the U.S. and Canada are pushing the federal government in Ottawa to reopen the border between the two countries and allow more flights.
The government should "clearly spell out how and when we will restart air travel between Canada and the U.S., with the objective of releasing the plan prior to June 21," the National Airlines Council of Canada and Airlines for America said in a joint letter sent to three Canadian cabinet ministers.
Airlines For America represents major carriers such as American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) and Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) as well as cargo shippers FedEx (NYSE:FDX) and United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS).
Last week, a federal Canadian advisory body said it’s safe to begin relaxing rules in place for most of the pandemic that have decimated travel between the two countries.
Right now, most people entering Canada have to endure a 14-day quarantine, and those arriving through airports are supposed to spend as much as three days in an approved hotel while they wait for test results.
The government advisory group in Ottawa said fully vaccinated travelers should be exempt from both quarantine and pre-departure virus tests, and that Canada should drop the hotel quarantine entirely.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, has yet to outline a timeline for reopening, other than to say it will depend on cases and vaccination levels. About 60% of Canada’s population has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Just 6% have received two shots, but with vaccine supplies improving, the government has said all eligible Canadians will be able to be fully vaccinated by September this year.
U.S. domestic passenger levels have rebounded to more than two-thirds of their 2019 levels during the last seven days, according to data compiled by the Transportation Security Administration.
Internationally, Mexico continued to receive U.S. visitors during the pandemic and has become the most popular foreign destination by far for American travelers, according to Airlines for America.
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