TORONTO — Porter Airlines is pushing back its resumption of flights by one month due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Flights are now scheduled to resume on July 29, pushed back from June 29.

Seasonal summer markets that Porter intended to serve in 2020 are being cancelled as part of this service deferral. Muskoka, Ont., and Stephenville, N.L., are the two destinations affected.

“We want to see our planes in the sky as soon as possible and are actively working to prepare for our resumption of service,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. “However, the ongoing uncertainty presented by government travel restrictions, including border closures, is impacting our ability to operate flights.

“We are closely watching developments and know that Porter will be an important part of providing people with travel options as the economy recovers.”

To accommodate impacted guests, Porter is waiving change and cancellation fees on all fares booked between May 26 and July 29. This also applies to Porter Escapes vacation packages.

The airline is also preparing to introduce enhanced health and safety measures for its return to service. Details of these measures will be announced closer to when flights restart.