Notification of Bearskin Airline’s Termination of Service

City of Kenora and Kenora Airport Authority joint media release

Notification of Bearskin Airline’s termination of service between Thunder Bay and Kenora

Kenora Airport Authority (KAA) has received communication from Perimeter Airlines, parent company of Bearskin Airlines, regarding the termination of scheduled service between Thunder Bay (YQT) and Kenora (YQK), effective May 11, 2024.

The Kenora Airport Authority, along with City of Kenora Mayor Andrew Poirier, received this notification on January 12, 2024, in a letter from Scott Woodward, Director of Business Development, Perimeter Airlines. Perimeter Airlines has cited lower passenger numbers, a pilot and crew shortage in the airline industry and internal financial considerations for the decision.

The KAA is in the process of reviewing this decision and working to understand the overall impact this will have on the Kenora Airport operations.

KAA Board Chair, Ryan Reynard states “As you can understand, we are shocked and extremely disappointed with this decision. We do not agree with this decision, and we were not included in any discussion or consultation prior to this announcement. Scheduled air service is critical for the City of Kenora and surrounding communities. Air travel is essential for medical appointments, tourism, corporate and business travel as well as for judicial purposes, just to name a few.”

“This decision has far-reaching impacts for our community and as Council we are very disappointed in the decision by Perimeter Airlines to cease airline passenger service between Kenora and Thunder Bay. Our Economic Development Team is working closely with the KAA to find alternate solutions for our community. The City is thankful for the dedicated Board of Directors and staff of the KAA who have worked quickly and diligently to address this shocking news and the City stands committed and prepared to support the efforts to ensure we have a return to passenger airline service in Kenora quickly” states Mayor Andrew Poirier.

The KAA is currently working with the City of Kenora on solutions to replace the loss of existing Bearskin flights and has begun the process of searching for new flight services for Kenora.