Passenger numbers at YLW down but director remains hopeful

Passenger numbers at Kelowna International Airport plummeted by 96 per cent in April and May as COVID-19 restrictions came into play. The airport’s director believes it will take years to recover.

However Sam Sammadar said YLW is already preparing for that recovery.

Sammadar released a statement Tuesday in which he recognized those who work in the tourism and travel industries and thanked frontline staff who have continued to work at the airport during difficult times.

“Much like many businesses in the Okanagan and in the tourism sector, YLW was hit hard by the ongoing global COVID-19 health crisis and we will be one of the last sectors to fully recover,” Sammadar said. “While we expect it will take several years for YLW and other airports across Canada to recover, we’re getting ready now so we can welcome travellers back when the time comes.”

Sammadar said the safety of employees and passengers remain a top priority.

“We know you have questions about air travel and what the future may look like. The situation with COVID-19 is evolving.”

However he stressed the airport remains open and is operating for domestic travel.

“In June and July, Central Mountain Air, Flair Airlines and Pacific Coastal Airlines will resume operations at YLW to Victoria, Prince George, Calgary and Edmonton. As provinces slowly start to reopen, we hope to see additional destinations and increased frequency on these routes as airlines adjust their networks and schedules.”

Sammadar noted Air Canada is operating flights to Vancouver twice per day. Central Mountain Air is scheduled to resume operations on July 6 with three flights to Prince George per week.

Flair Airlines announced it will resume operations on July 16. The airline will have flights to Calgary and Edmonton.

Pacific Coastal Airlines has already resumed its operations on June 1 with flights to Cranbrook and Victoria three times per week. It’s expected the airline will have an additional flight to Victoria to begin on June 28 with six flights per week.

West Jet is flying two flights per day to Calgary and Vancouver.

Ebus has also resumed service in B.C. which began on June 4.

Sammander said all air travellers must use a non-medical mask or face covering for the duration of the flight and through the airport terminal.

“All travellers are subject to a health check before they board an aircraft and anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to travel,” Sammadar said.

He added enhanced cleaning and sanitization are taking place throughout the airport.