Canadian North backs down on baggage rule, opens east coast route

Canadian North will offer flights from Iqaluit to Halifax and St. John’s every Friday between June 20 and Sept. 5. (FILE PHOTO)

Canadian North airlines announced Feb. 27 they will introduce a seasonal direct flight between Iqaluit, Halifax, N.S. and St. John’s, Nfld. every Friday from June to September.

The airline also announced that they will again allow jet aircraft passengers to check two 70-lb bags for free, backtracking on an unpopular Feb. 1 policy change that reduced the free baggage allowance to two 50-lb bags.

Those flying on turboprop airplanes such as the Dash 8 will still be limited to two 50-lb bags.

“These changes represent our renewed commitment to the people and prosperity of the North,” said Steve Hankirk, Canadian North president, in a Feb. 26 news release.

Departing flights from Iqaluit, using a Boeing 737-300, will take off every Friday between June 20 and Sept. 5 at 5:15 p.m., arriving in Halifax at 9:30 p.m.

The same plane will then depart Halifax at 10:15 p.m. and arrive in St. John’s at 12:25 a.m.

Return flights depart St. John’s at noon, arrive in Halifax at 1:15 p.m., then depart Halifax at 2 p.m. with a 4:15 p.m. arrival at Iqaluit.

Canadian North said it would consider expanding the number of flights or extending the season for availability of the 136-seat, Iqaluit-Halifax passenger flight, depending on demand for the service.

“This is great news. Same-day service between Nunavut and Atlantic Canada enhances Nunavut’s transportation system and will be a big improvement for the travelling public,” said George Kuksuk, Nunavut’s economic development and transportation minister, in the release.

The release announced a third piece of news — through a contract with Cargojet, Canadian will be offering an additional cargo aircraft between Ottawa and Iqaluit every Wednesday, starting March 19.

The all-freight 727 will have a cargo capacity of up to 21,772 kgs.