Staff at Kamloops Airport are preparing for the return of flights now that COVID-19 travel restrictions in the province have been eased, with more on the way next month.

YKA Managing Director, Ed Ratuski, is expecting to also see a gradual increase in passenger volumes after 16 months.

“I think people are kind of waiting to see if Step 3 comes ahead but we are anticipating a significant increase from where we’re at right now which is quite low,” Ratuski told NL News. “Nationwide traffic is nine per cent of what what it was but we are looking at significant increases later in July and then through to the end of the year actually.”

Step 3 of B.C.’s COVID Restart Plan will clear the way for recreational travel across Canada, a date airlines that fly to Kamloops have earmarked to start increasing their service to the Tournament Capital.

“WestJet is adding their Edmonton service. They’re going to start with two days a week. Central Mountain Air has added Vancouver while Air Canada is reintroducing Vancouver and Calgary. The Calgary service will be conducted with a CRJ900 which offers business class,” Ratuski added.

“Pacific Coastal is also going to continue operating their daily Vancouver service.”

In addition, Central Mountain Air will also be flying from Kamloops to Prince George, while WestJet will continue with its service to Calgary as well – the only flight at YKA that never stopped operating.

“As a gateway to the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola region, we are very pleased to welcome passengers back as they enjoy well-deserved summer vacations, re-connect with family and friends, and experience the best of what our city and spectacular province has to offer,” Ratuski added.

“Visitors to our airport can be assured of a safe, healthy and enjoyable experience, as we continue to prioritize cleaning and sanitization and physical distancing.”

There will still be COVID-19 safety protocols in place including enhanced cleaning and sanitization as well as the mandatory use of face masks and passenger access-only policies – with no indication when those measures will be lifted.