Now officially a hurricane, Maria threatens to strengthen into a major tempest, and to follow a similar path to the devastating Hurricane Irma. The Leeward Islands are in the storm’s path, as are the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

While the storm is still developing and more announcements are expected, here’s what we know from major tour operators so far:

Air Canada Vacations

For customers travelling to the Dominican Republic

Today’s departures to the Dominican Republic are cancelled. Files will automatically be eligible for rebooking at a later date.

Customers who planned to travel between 18SEPT may rebook an alternate Air Canada Vacations package by 15OCT, 2017 for travel until 30APR, 2018. 

For customers travelling to Antigua, Barbados, Fort de France, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia

Customers who planned to travel to the above destinations between 18SEPT and may rebook an alternate Air Canada Vacations package by 15OCT, 2017 for travel until 30APR, 2018. 

Reached for comment by Open Jaw, ACV Managing Director Nino Montagnese had a one-word response regarding Maria following so closely behind Irma. “Brutal,” he said.

WestJet Vacations

WestJet Vacations is advising that there may be delays or cancellations on flights to Barbados, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago through 20SEPT, due to warnings re Maria.

Flexible change and cancel rules have been implemented.

Sunwing & Transat

Neither of these operators had released Hurricane Maria preparation information at press-time. However, Sunwing has already announced that its St. Maarten program has been cancelled for the full winter season.

Bruce Parkinson Editor-in-Chief

An observer and analyst of the Canadian and international travel industries for over 25 years.