Moncton Airport Passenger Levels On A Path To Pre-Pandemic Levels
MONCTON — When pandemic restrictions began lifting earlier this year, the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) started seeing an uptick in air travel.
In a year-end update, YQM president/CEO Courtney Burns said the summer season turned out to be very strong.
“In fact, we had more carriers flying to more destinations and more seat capacity than we had in the summer of 2019. As we know, there were a lot of hiccups in the system and we’re all working together as an industry to continue to smooth things out,” said Burns.
“In September, we hit 100 percent of our pre-Covid passenger levels for the month which was very exciting. It really surpassed our expectations when we embarked on our business plan for the year.”
About 460,000 passengers are expected at the airport before the end of this year or about 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Domestic cargo remained strong throughout 2022 and a busy Christmas season is anticipated.
Despite the positive news, Burns noted the airport will face a financial loss for the year although significantly lower than their business plan as passenger numbers exceeded expectations.
Also this year, Air Canada Rouge returned with its larger aircraft to Pearson Airport and discount carrier Swoop launched flights to Hamilton and Edmonton (seasonal).
Porter Airlines added a direct flight to Toronto Billy Bishop Airport and PAL Airlines had success with its three routes to Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s, Deer Lake and Wabush.
Burns expects industry volatility will continue this winter with airlines and schedules as carriers balance their resources, availability and challenges.
Allan Dearing is a reporter with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.