Kamloops Airport. (Photo via Colton Davies)

A 97 per cent decline in passenger volumes at Kamloops Airport during the second quarter of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Managing Director Airport Ratuski says just 493 passengers were processed during April to go with 589 in May – a decline of 98.39 per cent and 98.16 per cent from the same months last year.

June numbers, while still down 95.31 per cent from 2019 levels, were slightly better at 1,407 passengers.

“As expected, passenger numbers in [the second quarter] reflect the negative impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on the airline, aviation and tourism industries in Kamloops,” Ed Ratuski said. “Passenger numbers are slowly starting to recover domestically with the increased services of WestJet and reintroduction of service by Air Canada and Central Mountain Air.”

He added it could take as many as four years for passenger volumes at Kamloops Airport to return to the levels it was at pre-pandemic.

“As long as travel restrictions and borders remain closed, those numbers will have a difficult time recovering,” Ratuski told NL News.

The use of masks during security screening as well as the duration of the flights are mandatory for any passengers travelling for the foreseeable future.

“We also recommend that all persons entering the terminal wear a mask,” Ratuski added. “Passengers will also have their temperature checked prior to boarding the aircraft.”

As well, only passengers are being asked to enter the terminal to limit the number of people inside. Hourly parking is currently free to encourage people dropping off or picking up passengers to stay outside the terminal or in their vehicles.