MONTREAL — Air Canada says it will pause all operations of its Rouge aircraft indefinitely and lay off 80 employees effective Feb. 8.

The announcement comes less than a week after Canadian airlines including Air Canada suspended all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean at the request of the federal government.

Air Canada’s flights to the region were primarily operated by Rouge.

Air Canada announced layoffs of around 1,700 employees in January, when it saw a drop in bookings because of a new requirement that travellers entering Canada show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

In addition to the most recent flight suspensions, on Jan. 29 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a series of additional travel restrictions, including a requirement that entrants to Canada quarantine in hotels at their own expense.

Air Canada says Rouge “remains a part of Air Canada’s overall business strategy.”