‘Feels like a real airport:’ YQR seeing business take off

Business is once again taking off at Regina’s airport.

“Domestic flights right now from WestJet and Air Canada are selling very well. In fact, our business is more than triple what it was less than 60 days ago,” said Regina Airport Authority CEO James Bogusz.

“It feels like a real airport when you come through again. It’s incredible.”

At this time, passengers can’t fly direct from Regina to the US or other international destinations. Likewise, passengers can’t fly into Regina direct from another country.

However, Bogusz said Sunwing has told him winter vacation packages to a hot destination are still selling very well. He said he hasn’t yet talked to WestJet about that, specifically.

Travellers may be wondering about prices with airports beginning to slide more towards normal operations, and if it’s about to get more expensive. When asked whether future flyers should book as soon as possible or wait, Bogusz said they’ve been looking at what’s happening in America.

“Those who wait to book right to the last minute typically pay more, that’s just a trend. There are seat sales that these airlines put on and what you can always do is just find the price you’re comfortable paying (and) lock it in,” he said.

Bogusz added flyers should be familiar with each airline’s cancellation policy, just in case.

Another sign of things improving at Regina’s airport is a new route being added as of August 1, 2021. Air Canada will offer direct service to Montreal from Regina, a first for the city according to Bogusz.