The Saskatoon Airport Authority has done a multi-scenario risk analysis of best and worst cases of passenger demand, which currently forecasts a return to pre-pandemic passenger levels in 2024. The 2021 report states that the year began with lower than anticipated traffic, but it picked up in the summer and through the rest of the year as more flights were added, for a final total of 440,000 passengers. However, CEO Stephen Maybury says that’s only about 30 per cent of the traffic through the gates in 2019.

The Airport Authority was approved for federal COVID-1 funding relief programs for a total of $16.4-million to invest in critical infrastructure and assist in re-establishing air service. Maybury notes that from that total, $5.5-million was received last year. Despite the continued pandemic impacts, the Airport Authority’s CEO says the year ended in a stable financial situation.

The Airport Authority is focusing on enhancing traveller confidence by leveraging public health initiatives to quickly adapt to federal requirements and offer technology for touchless processes throughout the terminal. The Authority will also be conducting traveller experience surveys to gain insight on what guests want, and will be implementing on-site public COVID testing options. Maybury adds that they are also working with existing concession partners to slowly return to business as passenger levels continue to recover.

The annual report includes a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent compared to 2015, by 2023. Part of that is installing an energy efficient chiller this spring to meet the needs of the airport and keep passengers comfortable. Maybury notes that the Airport Authority is also exploring a significantly larger on-site solar facility.