CHAT News File Photo

By Gates Guarin

Airport anticipates increase in passenger count this holiday season

Dec 9, 2022 | 3:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s regional airport is expecting more travellers this month as Hatters take to the sky to visit loved ones or to fly to warmer destinations.

The holiday season typically sees an influx of passengers, not just in the city, but airports across the country. This number is expected to grow with steady growth from the onset of the pandemic.

Logan Boyd, airport operations & maintenance superintendent with the city, says passenger counts locally have been trending upwards and are returning to levels not seen since prior to the pandemic.

“Air service is an economic driver providing travellers with those business and leisure needs, allowing them to fulfill those so it’s really important for the community,” Boyd says.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

4h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

22h ago

While WestJet flights to and from Calgary occur 16 times a week at the regional airport, flight frequency has actually been reduced for the month of December as the aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic and soaring inflation. Boyd hopes flyers in the city continue to utilize the airport and its services, which include an on-site flight school.

“Of course passenger levels are going to be impacted but again, we are returning to those pre-pandemic levels,” Boyd says. “We’re really happy about that, it’s moving in a positive direction and again, really happy that Hatters are embracing air service in Medicine Hat.”

In a statement provided to CHAT News, WestJet says “Our daily service between Medicine Hat and Calgary continues to recover towards pre-pandemic levels and over December we anticipate flying the most guests from Medicine Hat since the onset of the pandemic.”

The statement also anticipates Dec. 22, 23 and 27 to be the busiest days across its network, estimating over one million passengers will fly during that time period.