Labrador Air Access Program (LAAP) Pilot

Please read the program guidelines in full before applying.

Program guidelines include:

Introduction

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of airfare affordability for residents of Labrador and the Northern Peninsula.

The Labrador Air Access Program (LAAP) pilot supports affordable air travel for residents by providing discounted access to flights originating from airports in Labrador, Blanc‑Sablon and St. Anthony to key service hubs including St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake, for personal and leisure travel.

The program also enables residents of the Labrador‑Grenfell Zone (see Annex A) to access air travel throughout the region, allowing travel between communities within the Zone and to regional centres such as Goose Bay.

LAAP supports travel to major provincial centres and full inter‑regional mobility within the Labrador‑Grenfell Zone. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Labrador Affairs, entered into a partnership with PAL Airlines to offer tickets at a reduced cost through this program.

The terms and conditions of the program are subject to change or cancellation in the Department’s sole and exclusive discretion and without notice.

Who Can Apply?

Residents of Labrador and the Northern Peninsula. Students, see Program Eligibility for more information.

Applicable Airports

Discounted airfares are only available when departing from one of the following airports:

Wabush (YWK) Rigolet (YRG) Natuashish (YNP)
Churchill Falls (ZUM) Makkovik (YMN) Nain (YDP)
Goose Bay (YYR) Postville (YSO) St. Anthony (YAY)
Blanc Sablon (YBX) Hopedale (YHO)

Program Eligibility

Tickets are eligible when the airport origin is Labrador, Blanc Sablon or St. Anthony, and the destination is St. John’s, Gander or Deer Lake, or within the Labrador-Grenfell Zone.

Any travel to or from a destination outside Newfoundland and Labrador is excluded from the program.

Eligibility

  • An online application must be completed and submitted to the Department of Labrador Affairs seeking approval of travel at the discounted fare in accordance with the Program Guidelines at least seven (7) days prior to the proposed travel date. The application may be accessed here.
  • Applications for multiple travellers will only be accepted for those residing in the same household, up to a maximum of five (5) travellers.
  • Payment for approved discounted seats will be made solely by the primary applicant.
  • Travellers must reside in Labrador or the Northern Peninsula as outlined by the Labrador-Grenfell Zone (see Annex A).
  • The ticket must be purchased by an individual for personal or leisure travel only.
  • All flights must originate from Labrador, Blanc Sablon or St. Anthony airports.
  • All eligible applicants can access four (4) flights between now and March 31, 2027, regardless of past usage.
  • One-way tickets are eligible if the return date is undetermined. The one-way ticket must originate from an airport in Labrador, Blanc Sablon or St. Anthony, unless you are a student and can provide proof of enrollment in a post-secondary institution.
  • All authorizations must be received by March 17, 2027.

Ineligibility

  • Tickets that are fully or partially purchased or reimbursed by another program, or by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador or any other organization (e.g. Medical Transportation Assistance Program).
  • Tickets purchased for the purpose of work-related travel.
  • Travellers that do not reside in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone (see Annex A).

Subsidy Details

  • Tickets will be subsidized at a 50% discount off the base fare per route.
  • At the time of booking, the primary applicant approved under the Program will pay PAL or Air Borealis Inc. the subsidized ticket price for all travellers included in the application.
  • The subsidized amount to be paid by the applicant will include the remaining 50% of the base fare(s) plus all applicable surcharges at the current rates in effect at the time of booking. Applicable surcharges include:
    • Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC): A federally mandated fee applied to all passengers to support aviation security screening services in Canada.
    • Fuel surcharge: A variable fee that reflects fluctuations in fuel costs.
    • Airport Improvement Fee (AIF): A fee collected on behalf of airports to fund infrastructure improvements, maintenance and ongoing capital projects.
  • All eligible applicants can access four (4) flights between now and March 31, 2027, regardless of past usage. One-way tickets must equal the total of four (4) round-trips and dates of travel must be on or before March 31, 2027.
  • The number of subsidized seats will be limited per day and per airport.
  • Even where approved under the Program, travellers must be aware of the possibility of seats not being available for their desired travel dates.
  • Approved travel authorizations expire 30 days after being issued. If the travel authorization expires, the applicant will need to reapply under the Program.

Application Process and Requirements

  • If travelling as a group, the primary traveller must fill out the form for all individuals travelling on the same flight (maximum of five (5), including applicant).
  • In Canada, travellers over the age of 18 must have a photo ID and traveller names on the application must include all names listed on the photo ID.
  • Applications require current Medical Care Plan (MCP) numbers for all travellers, including those under 18 years of age. Expired MCP’s will not be accepted. A current Newfoundland and Labrador MCP card ensures that travellers are residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants without a valid MCP are required to demonstrate proof of residency (e.g. current utility bill or completed letter of attestation) that includes their current residential address.
  • In addition, applicants are required to complete the Declaration of Eligibility located at the end of the application.
  • Following a review and determination by the Department of Labrador Affairs, the applicant will be notified by email of application status.
    • If approved, the email will include a travel authorization number and instructions on how to book the discounted airline ticket(s) through PAL Airlines. Travellers will be excluded from the LAAP for the duration if they make inaccurate statements regarding their eligibility.
    • If an application is denied, the applicant will be contacted by the Department of Labrador Affairs with the reason for denial.
    • Travellers require a pre-authorization code to access the discounted rate through PAL Airlines, so approval must be provided before travel occurs.

How to Apply

An application form must be completed online – Labrador Air Access Program Application

See application form for steps on how to apply and submit.

Program Support

For more information, please contact Labrador Affairs:

1‐888-435-8111
LabradorAirAccess@gov.nl.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.