PAL Airlines says that flights to and from Wabush airport in Labrador are grounded for now.

The airline has posted a notice to passengers. It noted that affected passengers will receive email notifications on changes to their flights.

“We remain in contact with the airport authority and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” it states.

The airline said the situation was due to a “lack of available firefighting equipment.”

No one at the airport was taking questions from CBC.

Transport Canada communications staff have acknowledged questions and say they are working on a response with additional information.

This is not the first time flights at Wabush airport have been affected by lack of firefighting equipment and related services being available. In October 2025, planes with more than 19 seats were unable to land due to Transport Canada requiring services for Wabush Airport that were not on site.

As a result of the disruption Monday, PAL offered transportation to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the airport there, for passengers on two flights.

The flights were originally to run from Wabush to Goose Bay, before heading on to Deer Lake and then St. John’s. The first leg was instead offered as a road trip.

The airline similarly offered bus service into Wabush for passengers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, trying to get into Labrador West.

Other passengers are being told to monitor their emails.

This shouldn’t be happening, mayor says

Wabush Mayor Gertie Canning told CBC Radio’s On the Go she considers the current situation “unacceptable.”

“I don’t think this should be happening right now,” Canning said, adding she doesn’t see this situation in other airports.

“If a piece of equipment goes down in a busy airport like this is, I think there should be a second piece of equipment here. And I’m calling on our federal government to please fix this.”

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