Summer travel taking off at Regina Airport

Summer vacations are now in full swing, and that’s making for a busy time at Regina’s airport.

James Bogusz, CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, told the Greg Morgan Morning Show the airport is running close to its capacity.

“Things are busy, and I pulled the data from July 5 and there’s about a 93 per cent, 92 per cent airline capacity with almost 90 per cent passengers, so the planes are going out incredibly full,” explained Bogusz.

“My advice to passengers is start coming a bit earlier to the airport. Ninety minutes is the bare minimum now, especially during our busier morning hours. I would also remind folks – I hate saying this – but pack their patience a little bit.”

Bogusz said there are lots of deals to be had because of the demand for travel again.

“Prices are incredible. One-way fares to Calgary, for example, I just looked with WestJet this week and there’s seat sales galore, well under $200. Same thing with Air Canada to Toronto. Tons of fares under $150. Not every fare – I am talking the base fare – but the point is, it is stimulating the traffic,” he said.

And Regina’s airport also offers plenty of ways to stay occupied while waiting for your flights. Bogusz pointed out all the new amenities, like the booths for people to work on their devices or make calls in a more private settings, along with additional food and drink options.

Outside the airport, on the tarmac, the work continues on the runway revitalization. Despite the sad start, with the death of a construction crew member, Bogusz said the project remains on schedule.

“It is on track. In fact, our runway work is scheduled to be completed by the third week in September, so long as the weather keeps holding up,” Bogusz confirmed.

Those living in the southern parts of Regina are probably grateful for the ongoing work, Bogusz said, as flight paths are rerouted over a different part of the city. But Bogusz said they shouldn’t get used to it.

“For our community to grow and to make sure that this airport creates the economy we need, we definitely need that main runway back in action,” Bogusz said.

“But we do appreciate it has been a bit of a break on the noise for the residents in the south, but in the east right now, we know the pain has been shared quite equally over the course of the summer.”