The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport has seen a 70 per cent decrease in passenger numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The Government of Canada will fund the airport with $1.7 million from the Airport Critical Infrastructure program as relief.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minster of Transport, Annie Koutrakis made the announcement Monday (August 22, 2022), that through the assistance of the funding it will allow for the expansion to one of the airports aprons, where aircrafts park,  to create additional space for the movement of larger sized aircrafts, such as cargo planes. Currently the airport is using the money to renovate a new larger baggage reclaim area (which will wrap up very shortly) that will allow for increased circulation for passengers trying to find their bags and to physically distance from each other.

This funding is in addition to the $10.9 million provided under the program in August of 2021.

The Federal Government has also provided the airport with $2.8 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help maintain airport operations and essential air services for Saskatoon.

Annie Koutrakis says, “The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is a key transportation hub for much of central and northern Saskatchewan. It connects family and friends, helps travellers discover new destinations, and is a pivotal trade corridor for many Saskatchewan businesses. This funding will enhance airport safety for travellers, air crews, and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”

Both funding programs assisting the Saskatoon International Airport were started back in May 2021. Combined they will distribute $636 million to airports across Canada to help recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Airport officials predict that the Saskatoon terminal won’t see the same passenger numbers of 2019 pre-COVID until 2024.