The air traffic control tower at Prince George Airport will remain in operation, NAV Canada said Thursday.
It was one of six across the country for which a review was launched in November 2020 with the possibility of replacing it with an airport advisory service that would provide updates on weather, runway conditions and traffic in the area but leave pilots responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft.
Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty was an outspoken opponent of the move and its timing, calling it "lunacy" given that traffic has been at an all-time low due to the pandemic.
In a statement confirming the tower at PGAA will remain unaffacted, NAV Canada CEO Ray Bohn appeared to echo Doherty's concern.
"The valuable input we have received indicates that a balanced approach is warranted as the industry navigates the ongoing pandemic," he said. "We are proactively taking these steps to maintain a consistent level of service as the aviation industry and our many partners shift their focus to recovery."
Nav Canada owns and operates Canada’s civil air navigation service.
