Winnipeg airport tops 1 million passengers in 2nd quarter

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This article was published 02/08/2023 (1143 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MORE than one million passengers filtered through Winnipeg’s airport between April and June — the first time a three-month period has exceeded the million mark since the pandemic.

“We’ve seen that continued, pent-up demand from the community being released. People want to get out there, they want to see loved ones,” said Nick Hays, president of the Winnipeg Airports Authority.

The WAA clocked 1.02 million passengers in its second quarter this year. Its busiest day in nearly four years came June 30, with more than 15,800 travellers.

The WAA tracked more than 1.1 million people in its second quarter of 2019.

Passenger levels are poised to return to pre-pandemic levels next year or in 2025, should the trajectory continue, Hays said.

The financial return will take longer, he added.

The WAA’s consolidated revenue last quarter hit $39.9 million, up nearly 21 per cent from the year prior. The earnings before interest, depreciation and taxes also jumped — $19.76 million, compared to $16.19 million a year earlier.

However, the WAA took a $100 million bond to stay solvent, Hays highlighted.

The WAA undertook a strategic review last year, consulting with more than 60 community groups and stakeholders. It’s diversifying its revenue sources, Hays said.

Cargo shipments last quarter mirrored those of the prior year. The gross takeoff weight barely changed: 120,242 tons in 2023’s second quarter compared to 120,361 the year prior.

Still, the number of cargo plane landings increased 12 per cent when comparing 2023’s second quarter to 2019’s, Hays noted.

Meantime, the airport is continuing to add flights in its pandemic recovery. Announcements of WestJet’s direct flight to Atlanta — a “game changer” for Winnipeg — and Porter Airlines’ upcoming arrival in the Prairie city show a “real confidence” in the province, Hays said.

“The trajectory is positive going forward,” Hays said. “It’s about delivering connectivity.”

The WAA has been working with the Rainbow Resource Centre on identifying unnecessary gendered language in the terminal that could be removed.

Hays didn’t have any specifics to provide but said some areas have been noted. He didn’t provide a timeline for changes.

The WAA also tapped the Rainbow Resource Centre to hold educational sessions with its staff. It rolled out Pride-themed Hug Rugs in its arrivals hall last June.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com