Sunwing airlines to fly Canadians home for free

Sunwing Airlines Ltd. is generously offering vacant seats on its repatriation flights to any Canadians who are stranded, free of charge. The airline is making an effort to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. This offer is extended to include non-Sunwing customers, according to Global News.

Global Affairs Canada announced that, “Canada has no current plans to repatriate a significant group of people from other countries.” This has left thousands of Canadians stranded overseas, desperately hoping to find a way back home since the borders have closed.

Many airlines have cut flights and routes in response to the spread of COVID-19 and border closures.

Stephen Hunter, CEO of Sunwing’s parent company said, “We understand a lot of Canadians are still stranded outside the country and struggling to get home,”

“That’s why we want to open up any extra capacity we have. It’s the Canadian thing to do.”

On Thursday, Sunwing said they would fly about 11,000 Canadians home. Already the airline has repatriated 22,000 Sunwing passengers since the border closed.

Air Canada announced on Wednesday that it will suspend most of its international and U.S. transborder flights. Porter Airlines and Transat AT Inc. will follow suit, stating that they will suspend all of their flights as well.

Sunwing said it expects to have all of its customers back in Canada by Monday, the bulk of which are currently at Mexican or Caribbean resorts.

The news of their generosity has been met with praise on social media, one twitter user posted, "Amazing, an airline being a responsible citizen. Never thought I'd see the day. Thank you."

Another wrote, "Good for you @SunwingVacay. You’ve just gained a future customer here !"