FAQs
- Provided a presentation on the City’s partnership with WestJet;
- Outlined the infrastructure investments made since WestJet’s services began, including the $5M runway upgrading project completed in 2019 with federal Airports Capital Assistance Program funding;
- Sought clarity on WestJet’s decision to discontinue service; and
- Explored whether any steps could be taken to preserve WestJet’s services.
Post-pandemic changes to air service demand, particularly for business-related travel;
Industry-wide challenges with pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer staffing levels. A significant number of aviation professionals exited the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply of commercial pilots has not matched demand. Regional airlines in particular have struggled with pilot retention as larger carriers, such as Air Canada and WestJet, hire to meet their staffing requirements;
Airlines contending with higher operating expenses; and
Demand at regional airports being affected by passengers choosing to drive to other facilities, such as Edmonton International Airport and Saskatoon International Airport.
Critical public health and safety operations by Alberta Health Services, Saskatchewan Air Ambulance, and STARS;
Charter and corporate flights by major employers in the region;
Professional pilot training;
Local and visiting private aircraft; and
Aircraft used for air taxi and aerial work purposes.
Why did WestJet end its service to Lloydminster?
WestJet connected Lloydminster with Calgary International Airport beginning on June 21, 2018. During WestJet’s first full year in Lloydminster in 2019, 19,628 passengers used the service to Calgary. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures had an unprecedently severe impact on airlines and airports across Canada and in 2023, 11,955 passengers flew with WestJet between Lloydminster and Calgary, representing only 61% of pre-pandemic traffic.
WestJet has stated that its decision to withdraw from Lloydminster is due to the business realities affecting the viability of the route. WestJet has noted that this decision is not a reflection of the support the company has received from the City of Lloydminster and its air service partners.
What has the City of Lloydminster done to preserve air services?
The City of Lloydminster was an active partner to WestJet through its five years of service and routinely evaluated its operation of the airport to meet the needs of the airline. WestJet notified the City of Lloydminster of its decision to end its services to Lloydminster on December 14, 2023. The City subsequently met with WestJet representatives at the company’s headquarters in Calgary on January 30, 2024. During this meeting, the City’s delegation:
In March 2024, the City prepared a submission to the Province of Alberta requesting funding for the completion of a Commercial Air Service Feasibility Study. Funding from the Province was awarded in April 2024, and the City retained the services of HM Aero Aviation Consulting and ASM Global Route Development to complete the project.
The City continues to maintain Lloydminster Airport in accordance with all regulatory requirements to a high standard to ensure its readiness for the return of air services. The City is also taking advantage of the opportunity to complete renovations in the terminal building to improve its future usability.
Is Lloydminster the only community facing these challenges?
Numerous communities across Canada, both smaller and larger than Lloydminster, are contending with the loss or reduction of their scheduled air services. Regional air services have faced numerous hurdles, including:
Is the Lloydminster Airport still open?
Lloydminster Airport remains open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and continues to be operated by the City of Lloydminster in accordance with Transport Canada’s regulatory standards. The airport is used daily to support:
How does this affect the Airport Master Plan?
The Airport Master Plan was started in September 2019 and finalized in April 2020 in the opening weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, during a period of considerable uncertainty regarding long-term effects to the airport and its air services. HM Aero will be updating the Airport Master Plan in the summer of 2024 to reflect the facility’s post-pandemic conditions and air service outlook, ensuring its continued value in supporting effective airport governance and administration by the City.
When will Lloydminster have air services again?
Air service development efforts can take multiple months or longer, and a firm timeline cannot be provided for when a new airline will commence flights to Lloydminster. The Commercial Air Service Feasibility Study is scheduled for completion by September 2024, and the City will be commencing air service development efforts this summer following the completion of market research.
What can I do to help attract a new airline?
You can support the air service development process by sharing your air service priorities through the online survey or by attending one of the in-person engagement events. Your feedback will help the City and its consultants to prepare detailed market opportunity packages for consideration by prospective airlines.
How is this project being funded?
The City of Lloydminster has received a $113,988 grant through the Province of Alberta’s Regional Airport Development Program to fund 80% of the project costs. The remaining $28,497 is being funded by the City of Lloydminster.