‘Very irresponsible:’ Scott Moe condemns Sunwing cancellations

Premier Scott Moe had strong words for Sunwing Vacations, after the airline suspended its operations in Saskatoon and Regina until after February 3.

The airline made the announcement Thursday, saying customers with flights already booked will automatically receive a full refund, while customers stuck at their destinations were advised to wait for more information.

Moe didn’t hide how he felt about the move.

“This is a very irresponsible decision by Sunwing for everyone who has booked a vacation, particularly those who are currently at their destination and are uncertain how and when they will get home,” Moe said in a statement.

Air travel is regulated at the federal level, Moe noted, but the premier said Saskatchewan Transportation Minister Jeremy Cockrill has been in contact with both the airline and his federal counterpart, Omar Alghabra.

According to Moe, the Saskatchewan government is asking for “a detailed plan of how and when passengers who travelled from Saskatchewan will get back, which is the immediate priority.”

Moe also said he expects Sunwing to “appropriately compensate” those whose flights were cancelled.