Dave Devana, President and CEO, Nanaimo Airport. (Photo: Nanaimo Airport, Facebook)

Passenger traffic at Nanaimo Airport nearly doubled over the last year as air travel continued to rebound after the pandemic. Officials note the Nanaimo Airport, CYCD, continues to be a key economic catalyst for the region, with operations directly and indirectly generating thousands of jobs.

Approximately 340,000 people went through the gates of YCD in 2022, which compares with 193,425 in 2021.

“The communities we serve are resuming their travel plans and showing confidence in our ability to provide a safe environment,” said Dave Devana, CEO, Nanaimo Airport. “Safety is our top priority. We’ve maintained thorough disinfecting and cleaning protocols and reduced touchpoints, and our business partners have done the same.”

YCD projects 440,000 passengers will fly in and out of Nanaimo in 2023, which would bring passenger totals to 90 per cent of the airport’s pre-pandemic record. “We are hoping for a full recovery by 2024,” said Devana, who notes the airport is exploring expanded domestic route options in B.C. with regional carriers. WestJet runs a direct flight from YCD to Edmonton that was launched last year.

YCD will complete its runway rehabilitation project in 2023 with grooving of the runway surface. It’s also completing the design for an SSLAR lighting system that will improve the landing conditions for the airport’s business partners.