This summer, travelers leaving from Regina International Airport (YQR) will have more flight options available to them, including direct flights to Montreal through Air Canada. The airport’s CEO, James Bogusz, stated that operations at the airport are nearing pre-pandemic levels, with almost a million passengers passing through in the past year. He also mentioned that this summer will see more flight capacity than in 2019, with an increase in flights to Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. However, the airport faced challenges earlier in 2023 when Air Canada discontinued flights to Calgary and Sunwing canceled winter sun destination flights, leading to a significant reduction in available seats.
James Bogusz is optimistic about the future of the airport, especially with the return of daily, non-stop flights to Minneapolis. Regina residents have expressed their excitement about the increase in direct flight options, citing the convenience of not having to make multiple stops when traveling. While passengers hope that ticket prices will decrease with the increase in flight options, Bogusz explained that the airport has limited control over pricing, as higher costs for airlines result in higher ticket prices for travelers. Despite this, Bogusz is enthusiastic about the potential growth of the airport, especially with the rise in events and activities in Regina post-pandemic.
Overall, the increase in flight options at Regina International Airport is seen as a positive development for travelers in the area, providing more convenience and access to various destinations. The airport’s CEO, James Bogusz, is pleased with the progress made so far and looks forward to further growth in the future. Residents of Regina are looking forward to the direct flight options, particularly to Toronto, which will offer more accessibility to summer destinations without the hassle of stops during travel. While ticket prices are a concern for passengers, Bogusz explained that pricing is largely determined by airlines and that the airport is focused on supporting the local economy and community.
With the return of daily, non-stop flights to Minneapolis and the increased flight capacity for the summer, Regina International Airport is set to see a boost in activity and passenger volumes. Despite the challenges faced earlier in 2023 with discontinued flights and cancellations, the airport has bounced back and is on track to surpass pre-pandemic levels. As the community continues to grow and events in Regina increase, the airport is poised to play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and connectivity in the region. Overall, the outlook for Regina International Airport is positive, with more opportunities for travelers and the local economy on the horizon.
