COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on air travel across the country and YXS is no different.
The Prince George Airport Authority (YXS) says both October and November saw a drop of 71 per cent in passenger traffic numbers compared to the same months in 2019.
A total of 11,519 passengers used the airport in November, while October was higher with 12,835.
“Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a Travel Advisory on November 19 where she recommended non-essential travel be avoided," Prince George Airport Authority President and CEO Gordon Duke says in a release.
"Our airline partners have told us many people cancelled their travel plans to oblige.
"We are unsure how the month of December will fare as the Advisory was carried over until January, however public safety is most important at this point.”
YXS saw 11,519 passengers use the airport in November, a drop of 71% compared to the same month last year. Numbers for October were slightly higher at 12,835, however the percentage drop was the same at 71% over October 2019. More info: https://t.co/YeI6kyNxR8 #cityofpg pic.twitter.com/gwSzRQisfx
— YXS - PG Airport (@FlyYXS) December 15, 2020
YXS has only had one month in 2020 with an improved passenger rating, which, to no surprise, was in February prior to the COVID-19 pandemic when 40,353 people came through the airport.
This equalled a 0.09 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.
The worst month of 2020 for the Prince George Airport Authority, thus far, was April with only 1,899 passengers departing and/or arriving.
YXS says those who are travelling over the holiday season should revert to the following information:
- Check the weather conditions in Prince George and at connecting airports and destinations, as poor conditions can significantly impact flight schedules
- Check your airline’s website for the most up to date flight information
- Check your airline’s website for baggage size, weight restrictions and costs associated with checking your bags
- Place identification in both the inside and outside of your baggage
- Be sure to check your bags to ensure prohibited items are not present
- If you’re travelling with gifts, leave them unwrapped
- They may be opened by Screening Officials for inspection
- To minimize the risk of damage or loss, don’t pack fragile or valuable items in checked baggage
- Take them with you in carry-on baggage, or ship them to your destination instead
- If you are given the option, check-in online
- Saves a lot of time
- Most airlines offer 24-hour check-ins before the departure time of the flight
"2020 has been an unprecedented year for all," the authority adds.
"The Prince George Airport Authority looks forward to 2021 as the COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon.
"We continue to work with our airline partners and all our stakeholders to ensure a success return to regular operations. We’re ready when you are!"
The last flight flagged for COVID-19 exposure involving Prince George was was reported by WestJet on Nov. 27 for flight 3290 to Vancouver.
The full list of flights is as follows:
- March 5 = Air Canada flight 8209 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows nine to 15
- March 12 = Central Mountain Air flight 9M728 from Prince George to Kelowna - rows not reported
- March 15 = Central Mountain Air flight 9M725 from Kelowna to Prince George - rows not reported
- Aug. 21 = Air Canada flight 8212 from Prince George to Vancouver - rows six to 12
- Aug. 24 = Flair Air flight 8711 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows 26 to 32
- Aug. 24 = Flair Air flight 8711 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 26 to 32
- Oct. 13 = Flair Air flight 8187 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 10 to 16
- Oct. 18 = Air Canada flight 8209 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows eight to 14
- Oct. 18 = Flair Air flight 8186 from Edmonton to Prince George - rows two to six
- Oct. 31 = Flair Airlines flight 8186 from Edmonton to Prince George - rows not reported
- Nov. 2 = Flair Airlines flight 8187 from Prince George to Edmonton - rows 26-32
- Nov. 10 = Air Canada flight 8201 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows one to seven
- Nov. 23 = WestJet flight 3297 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows not reported
- Nov. 24 = WestJet flight 3290 from Prince George to Vancouver - rows not reported
- Nov. 24 = WestJet light 3277 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows not reported
- Nov. 24 = WestJet flight 3282 from Prince George to Vancouver - rows not reported
- Nov. 26 = WestJet flight 3287 from Vancouver to Prince George - rows not reported
- Nov. 27 = WestJet flight 3290 from Prince George to Vancouver - rows not reported
