Despite recent renovations to the Lethbridge Airport, its sole airline provider is dropping its services to a single flight per day.
Despite recent renovations to the Lethbridge Airport, its sole airline provider is dropping its services to a single flight per day.
Clear skies are often a welcome development when discussing weather conditions. However, when discussing an airport that is losing business, clear skies could be a problem.
WestJet intended to reduce the number of flights in Lethbridge to one on Oct. 3, however, they say it has already happened as of this week.
“We’ve got a schedule change that’s kind of started a little bit early, as of Oct. 1,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, director of alliances and airport affairs with WestJet.
Blaine Hyggen, the mayor of Lethbridge, says the renovations in recent years were designed to bring business to the airport.
“It’s a chicken or egg thing,” said Hyggen at a media scrum following a WestJet roundtable discussion with business and community leaders.
Clear skies are often a welcome development when discussing weather conditions. However, when discussing an airport that is losing business, clear skies could be a problem.
WestJet intended to reduce the number of flights in Lethbridge to one on Oct. 3, however, they say it has already happened as of this week.
“We’ve got a schedule change that’s kind of started a little bit early, as of Oct. 1,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, director of alliances and airport affairs with WestJet.
Blaine Hyggen, the mayor of Lethbridge, says the renovations in recent years were designed to bring business to the airport.
“It’s a chicken or egg thing,” said Hyggen at a media scrum following a WestJet roundtable discussion with business and community leaders.
This situation, according to WestJet, is not exclusive to the southern Alberta city.
“All of the markets are kind of starting to see that, but again, we’re looking to offer a schedule that really offers the best connectivity for the largest majority of the type of traveller that we’re seeing from each of these markets,” said Mikoch-Gerke.
Lethbridge Airport has been a significant point of travel for the residents of Southern Alberta, but despite recent renovations aimed at boosting its usage, the airport is now facing a major setback. WestJet, the airport’s only airline provider, has announced a reduction in services, slashing flights down to just one per day. This change was scheduled to take effect on October 3, but it happened earlier than expected, as the new schedule was implemented on October 1.
Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet’s director of alliances and airport affairs, confirmed the early implementation of the reduced schedule. He explained that this change is not unique to Lethbridge but part of a broader strategy to optimize the airline’s operations across various markets. “All of the markets are kind of starting to see that, but again, we’re looking to offer a schedule that really offers the best connectivity for the largest majority of the type of traveler that we’re seeing from each of these markets,” Mikoch-Gerke stated.
The decision has raised concerns among local officials and business leaders, who fear that reduced flights could negatively impact the community and its economic growth. Mayor Blaine Hyggen expressed his concerns during a media scrum following a WestJet roundtable discussion with local business leaders. Hyggen acknowledged that the airport’s recent renovations were aimed at attracting more business, but the reduction in flights complicates those efforts.
“It’s a chicken or egg thing,” said Hyggen, referring to the difficult balance between investing in airport infrastructure to attract more airlines and ensuring that there is enough demand to sustain additional flights.
The renovation of Lethbridge Airport has been a significant investment by the local government and community. The upgrades were designed to improve the airport’s facilities, enhance passenger experience, and ultimately draw more business and tourism to the area. However, with WestJet cutting back its services, some worry that these efforts may not yield the desired results.
The local business community is particularly concerned about how this change could affect commerce. Many businesses rely on reliable air travel for transportation of goods, meetings, and corporate travel. Fewer flights could make it more difficult for companies to operate efficiently and could deter potential investors from considering Lethbridge as a viable location for business.
Moreover, the reduced connectivity could have broader implications for tourism. Southern Alberta’s natural attractions, such as Waterton Lakes National Park, attract visitors from across the country and beyond. Fewer flights may make it harder for tourists to reach the region, potentially resulting in a decline in tourism revenue.
This development comes at a time when the airline industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other carriers, WestJet has faced challenges in adjusting to post-pandemic travel patterns. As demand for air travel fluctuates, airlines are reassessing their routes to ensure profitability and efficiency. Unfortunately for Lethbridge, this has meant a reduction in service.
The local response to WestJet’s decision has been mixed. While some understand the economic pressures that airlines are under, others feel that Lethbridge is being unfairly sidelined. They argue that the city and its surrounding region deserve better access to air travel, especially given the investments made to improve the airport.
Hyggen and other local leaders are hopeful that this situation can be reversed. They are calling for continued discussions with WestJet and other airlines to explore options for restoring or even expanding service to Lethbridge. One possibility could be attracting other airlines to fill the gap left by WestJet, though this may prove challenging given the current state of the airline industry.
Community leaders are also encouraging residents and businesses to make the most of the available flights to demonstrate that there is demand for air travel in and out of Lethbridge. By increasing passenger numbers, they hope to make a case for expanding the flight schedule in the future.
Despite the challenges, there is still optimism that Lethbridge Airport can overcome this hurdle. The recent renovations have modernized the facility, making it more appealing to both passengers and potential airline partners. Local officials remain committed to leveraging these improvements to boost the airport’s business prospects.
The situation in Lethbridge mirrors a broader trend in smaller regional airports across Canada and the world. As airlines streamline their operations, smaller cities often find themselves with fewer flight options. This has prompted discussions about the long-term sustainability of regional air travel and the role of government and private investment in supporting smaller airports.
In the meantime, Lethbridge residents will have to adjust to the reduced schedule, with hopes that future negotiations may bring about positive change. While clear skies are usually welcomed in the context of weather, in this case, they may symbolize the uncertain future of air travel in Southern Alberta.
As WestJet adjusts its operations, the city of Lethbridge and its airport will need to navigate this new reality and find creative solutions to maintain its connectivity to the rest of the country. Community leaders, businesses, and the local government will have to collaborate and advocate for more flight options, ensuring that Lethbridge remains accessible and open for business and tourism alike. The road ahead may be challenging, but the city’s investments and resilience will be key to determining its future success.