Travellers flying out of the Regina International Airport could see some route reductions and slight fare increases this summer as rising jet fuel prices continue to impact the airline industry. James Bogusz, CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has driven up jet fuel prices across Canada, forcing airlines to adjust schedules and reduce capacity. “This jet fuel issue has been significant right across Canada,” said Bogusz. “We’re seeing our major airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, doing some flight consolidation.” Bogusz explained that airlines are trimming certain routes and reducing flight frequency to maximize passenger loads on existing aircraft. Some routes seeing reduced service According to Bogusz, non-stop flights from Regina to Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver have already seen reduced frequency. Additionally, beginning in July, the direct flight from Regina to Halifax will be reduced from twice weekly to once a week. International routes are also being affected. “Minneapolis is also taking a hit,” Bogusz added. “We’re going to see the Saturday departure removed from the schedule in peak summer. Typically, that flight’s been seven days a week. It’s now going to drop to six days a week.” Despite the reductions, Bogusz said overall passenger demand remains steady, and summer seat capacity is still expected to slightly exceed 2025 levels. “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of capacity programmed in for the summer,” he said. “Despite having these reductions, we’re still going to see a little bit of growth in terms of seat count over peak summer.” Related Stories: YQR president and CEO says airport is exceeding pre-pandemic activity Expansion of Regina Airport flights expected to make US vacations easier New option for air travel out of Regina ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Ticket prices remain relatively stable Bogusz noted that while airfare prices have increased slightly, they have not risen as dramatically as expected, considering fuel costs. “It hasn’t been as significant as I would have expected, given the fuel being where it’s at,” he said. “But I am noticing the airlines continue to pump out sales.” He encouraged travellers to sign up for airline email notifications to stay informed about flash sales and discount offers. The outlook for fuel prices remains uncertain as geopolitical tensions continue in the Middle East. Earlier this year, concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — a key global shipping route for oil and natural gas — contributed to spikes in oil prices. Airport upgrades underway Meanwhile, passengers travelling through Regina this summer may notice several upgrades inside the terminal. Bogusz said new carpeting is being installed throughout portions of the airport, while gates 6, 7, and 8 near the 306 Bar are also being renovated. “We’re basically infilling a space of the airport that was just not being used,” he said. The renovations are expected to provide additional seating, improve passenger flow, and help prepare the airport for future growth. Construction on the upgrades began several weeks ago.