Saskatchewan Airports Report Significant Passenger Uptick Amid Peak Holiday
Key Points
- 1Saskatchewan's two largest airports, YXE and YQR, report a passenger surge during the peak holiday travel period, with YQR anticipating a 10-20% increase in daily departing passengers.
- 2YXE expects around 2,200 daily departing passengers until the New Year, naming Boxing Day, Dec. 29, and Dec. 30 as the busiest days.
- 3The regional trend reflects a national aviation industry recovery, with Canadian airports exceeding pre-pandemic passenger levels in December 2024.
- 4Airport authorities strongly advise passengers to arrive 2-3 hours early and check flight status due to potential congestion and minor delays.
Airports in Saskatchewan’s two largest cities are experiencing a significant surge in passenger traffic. This uptick coincides with the busiest travel period of the year. The increase signals a strong recovery for the regional Canadian aviation industry.
Peak Travel Season Underway
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) is forecasting high volumes. The airport expects around 2,200 departing passengers daily. This volume is anticipated to last until the new year. The airport authority named Boxing Day, December 29, and December 30 as three of the busiest days.
In Regina, the situation is mirroring this trend. Regina International Airport (YQR) is seeing similar high volumes. The airport reports about 1,700 departing passengers daily. Total daily passenger traffic is around 3,400 people.
James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, noted a “big uptick” in volumes. He cited the start of school holidays on December 19. YQR anticipates a 10 to 20 per cent increase in daily departing passengers. This growth is bringing passenger numbers close to pre-pandemic levels.
National Context and Recovery
This regional surge aligns with broader national trends. Data from Transport Canada shows a strong recovery. Canada's top eight airports saw 4.8 million passengers in December 2024. This figure was 8.1 per cent higher than in December 2023. It also exceeded the December 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.3 per cent. The increased capacity from airlines like Air Canada and WestJet supports this growth. The addition of new routes, such as a daily flight to Denver from YQR, further boosts connectivity. For more commercial aviation news, check out flying.flights.
Operational Impacts and Passenger Advice
Increased passenger volumes create operational challenges for airports and airlines. Some travelers at YXE reported minor delays. However, others noted smooth flights with little to no turbulence.
Airport authorities are urging passengers to plan ahead. A YXE spokesperson advised travelers to arrive early. They also stressed checking flight status directly with the airline. This proactive approach aims to ensure a stress-free journey. YQR recommends two hours for domestic flights. Three hours is suggested for international or trans-border flights. This is especially important for destinations like Minneapolis or sun destinations.
Winter Travel Safety
The travel period also brings significant ground transportation risks. Saskatchewan’s insurance company, SGI, issued a warning to drivers. They highlighted the unpredictability of winter roads. Fluctuating temperatures, freezing rain, and blowing snow contribute to this danger. SGI states that winter conditions cause nearly 40 per cent of all collisions during this time.
The RCMP is also advising extra caution for motorists.
- Check the province’s Highway Hotline website for road closures.
- Ensure the vehicle has a full tank of gas and safety equipment.
- Carry food, water, and warm clothes in case of poor weather.
- Delay travel if conditions are unsafe, according to an RCMP spokesperson.
Aviation stakeholders must coordinate closely with ground transportation agencies. This integrated approach is vital for passenger safety and smooth airport access during the busy winter season.
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