Edmonton flight helps boost traveller numbers at Kamloops Airport

KAMLOOPS – The number of travellers coming through the gates of Fulton Field is less than last year, but the addition of a direct flight to Edmonton is offsetting any major decline.

The latest report from the Kamloops Airport shows the number of travellers for February down nearly 250 over last year, for a total of 1,250 fewer travellers year over year.

While a major snow storm at the beginning of January played a part in the lower traveller numbers to begin the new year, a fall off in the number of resource workers heading to Northern Alberta for work was the main reason for the lower numbers.

Mid-February WestJet began a daily direct flight between Kamloops and Edmonton, which has allowed travellers to fly instead of making the eight-hour drive, helping to offset the decline.

The continued low dollar has also helped to attract more visitors from the United States and keep Canadian travellers in Canada. The number of private flights bringing skiers to the area also increased in February.

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