The Regina Airport Authority (RAA) or YQR as it is known, is optimistic about the year ahead. There are signs of growth following a challenging 2017.
Passenger traffic at YQR was down three and a half per cent last year for a total of 1,219,311 passengers coming through its doors.
But in the last three months, that trend has reversed.
“We are very pleased to see an increase in passengers that began late last year and has been carrying through into early 2018,” said James Bogusz, President and CEO of the RAA. “Increased passenger traffic is a very positive indicator that there is an improving economic outlook for our region.”
The airport lost its last permanent and direct US carrier in July 2016. The airport still serves foreign countries during the winter season.
It is hoped that will soon change.
“As we look forward into 2018, there will be a dedicated focus on collaboration with our local partners, such as the City of Regina, Economic Development Regina, Tourism Saskatchewan and the Chamber of Commerce to promote our wonderful city and encourage added air service,” added Bogusz.
YQR is the fifteenth busiest airport in Canada and connects the local community to many major Canadian markets.