Government supports new carrier at Bathurst airport beginning Jan. 31

Release

Regional Development Corporation

January 13, 2026

BATHURST (GNB) – The government is supporting the expansion of service at the Bathurst Regional Airport.

Propair will begin flights to Montreal and Quebec City starting Jan. 31, with direct connections to Ottawa, Sudbury and Rouyn-Noranda.

“Flight access is a critically important component of regional economic development,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “The addition of Propair flights will provide new options for business travellers making connections, as well as visitors looking to explore the region.”

The service will use an 18-seat Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. The airline will begin with seven flights per week from Bathurst to Montreal. Four of these will be non-stop, while three will have a short stop in Quebec City. Flights will increase to 14 per week by the middle of March, with plans to expand to 21 per week during the summer if demand is sufficient.

Propair’s entry to the market is expected to significantly lower fares, with the average cost of a one-way ticket expected to be in the range of $300 to $350.

The government is contributing up to $500,000 to support new passenger air services in the province.

“We are very excited to bring this new air service to Bathurst,” said Justin Lemieux, general manager of Propair. “Our goal is to provide reliable, efficient and affordable regional air travel. Bathurst has strong potential, and we are confident that this route will meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers while strengthening connectivity within Eastern Canada.”

“Last March, we made a clear choice: to invest $420,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to support the development of a strategic plan for our airport, carried out with the expertise and professionalism of the firm Aviado,” said Acadie-Bathurst MP Serge Cormier. “Today’s announcement would not have been possible without that investment, and we are now seeing concrete results. I would like to thank the government of New Brunswick, the region’s municipalities, the airport’s board of directors and employees, the firm Aviado, as well as Propair for their commitment and confidence in our region. The arrival of Propair confirms that the Bathurst Regional Airport is viable, essential and strategic for northern New Brunswick.”

Cormier attended for federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who is also minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“This announcement represents a game-changing milestone for Bathurst and for the entire Chaleur region,” said Denis Roy, president of the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority. “Travellers will once again have decent frequency options, allowing travel between Bathurst and Montreal, and the potential to grow a new market to Quebec City, while adding connections to multiple other destinations. These new services will enhance economic development, support local businesses and make our region more accessible and attractive.”

The complete flight schedule is available on the airline’s website.

 

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