UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.
Kelowna International Airport director Sam Samaddar says the border changes announced Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau do not affect YLW.
"Any flights coming out of Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S. are still allowed to come directly into YLW so it really does not have an impact at this time."
The airport has continued its cleaning protocols as required, says Samaddar, and the Canadian Border Services Agency has stepped up efforts to monitor incoming passengers, ensure proper screening and distribution of information.
Samaddar says he does have concerns about the economic downturn facing airlines and airports, including YLW.
"We’re noticing the demand curve in terms of bookings, reservations is really dropping.
"We’ve also got people that are changing and want to cancel their travel plans so there’s been a huge demand on the call centres, I know people have been on the line waiting for some time to try and get their plans changed. We’ve actually had people come to the airport which is probably a much faster way of getting a response to that.
"Certainly we’re concerned the traffic levels at the airport are going to drop off dramatically, and we’re also seeing flight cancellations from the airlines as they see the demand of traffic and passengers drop off."
ORIGINAL: 1 p.m.
Canada is taking unprecedented action to fight COVID-19, closing the border to most non-citizens and limiting international flights. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional flight restrictions effective Wednesday, which will see most international flights rerouted to Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver for dedicated enhanced screening.
Those new restrictions, however, do not apply to flights from Mexico, the Caribbean or the United States — meaning Kelowna's international routes will continue.
A tweet from YLW indicates, " flights from the US, Mexico & Cuba will continue to operate. We'll continue to provide updates to passengers & the community about our response to #COVID-19."
Castanet has arranged an interview with Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport Director and we will have more information as it becomes available.
Today's announcement about limiting the number of airports accepting international flights does not impact #YLW. Flights from the US, Mexico & Cuba will continue to operate. We'll continue to provide updates to passengers & the community about our response to #COVID-19.
— Kelowna International Airport (@ylwkelowna) March 16, 2020
— Rob Gibson, Castanet
