The country's established air carriers Westjet and Air Canada have slashed prices on departures out of Victoria International Airport, reportedly in response to ultra low-fare airline NewLeaf’s cut-throat pricing.

On select dates throughout the month of October, return fares out of Victoria – all taxes and fees-in – are available for as little as $179 between Victoria and Edmonton, $305 between Victoria and Saskatoon, $332 between Victoria and Winnipeg and $613 to Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax.

The lowest fares are typically available on Westjet, although cost-saving flights may depart on one airline while returning on the other.

The sudden seat sale may not be as jaw-dropping as NewLeaf's recent $138 fare between Victoria and Edmonton, but for the big two, it represents considerable savings.

Consumers can use any flight booking or travel website, including Google’s flight search, to compare fares and select the most affordable options. Low fares to other cities may also be available.

Comparable ticket prices remain significantly lower on NewLeaf. However, luggage, carry-ons above a limited size and other perks are levied additional fees, while flight out of Victoria are limited to two days of the week.

Earlier this month NewLeaf announced service cuts to several cities in its network – including Victoria – between November 1st and mid-December as part of a cost-saving measure. The move has cast doubt on whether Canada’s newest air carrier can sustain its operations over the medium-term. C

Stay on top of local real-estate news with Citified's Insider Report newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

© Copyright 2016 by Citified.ca. All rights reserved.

 Article resources

• Stay on top of the latest fare deals out of Victoria International, and up-to-date on news affecting the airport, on VibrantVictoria.ca
• Looking for a new-build home or commercial space in Victoria? Use Citified to research new-build condos, rentals and commercial spaces
• Follow Citified on  Twitter
• Connect with Citified on  Facebook:
   

Flight to condos presents challenges, opportunities for Victoria buyers"