More passengers returned to the skies through Nanaimo Airport in 2022, with around 340,000 people recorded as coming or going. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

increased volume

‘It’s really people deciding they’re going to travel again:’ Nanaimo Airport nearly doubles passenger counts

Feb 1, 2023 | 3:33 PM

NANAIMO — Travellers are returning to the skies through YCD.

New data from the Nanaimo Airport shows passenger volumes effectively doubled to around 340,000 people through 2022, representing a big increase on past years and roughly 70 per cent of the pre-pandemic volume seen through the terminal.

Dave Devana, airport CEO, told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re hoping to get to 90 per cent of normal by the end of this year with a full return early in 2024.

“There’s been a general increase moving toward normal over the last year, and we’re expecting that to continue this year, but there’s been road blocks along the way. The summer of 2022, there were some hiring difficulties with the federal government, with their security services and with border services.”

Devana also noted airports had some challenges re-hiring following pandemic-related layoffs and job changes.

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The airport attributes a rise in passenger volume to an overall desire to go places again, and not to any one specific route or service available at Nanaimo Airport.

Seasonal service to Ontario, as well as flights to and from Edmonton have added options for local travellers.

“We had the Toronto route before, we’ve had the Edmonton route before, so it’s really people deciding they’re going to travel again and they’re going to use the Nanaimo airport and that’s what’s pushed us up,” Devana added.

Downtime at the airport during the pandemic was well spent.

The Airport received government grant money for upgrades to its air-side infrastructure including improved runway, taxiways and apron facilities, investments which will hold the airport in good stead for the next 20 to 30 years.

Next on the project list is an improved instrument landing system late this year and into early 2024, which will improve reliability during inclement weather.

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