Empty check-in counters line one side of the terminal while the odd employee moves behind reception along a row of vehicle rental desks.
There's no one on the staircase passengers use upon arriving in
“It’s almost like a ghost town," said
Bogusz said he's concerned that any comeback in air travel could be hampered in
“I don’t want a small town," said Bogusz. "I want my mid-size city airport back."
The other airport towers under review are in St-Jean, Que.,
At the heart of each review is whether air traffic at the airports warrants having a control tower as opposed to an advisory service for pilots.
"We have to operate the right service, at the right place, at the right time," said
"The COVID-19 pandemic does give us additional stimulus because of the financial environment; however, the studies are warranted regardless of COVID-19."
He explained that an air traffic controller provides instructions to pilots during times including takeoff; an advisory service offers guidance through information that includes weather and runway conditions
Bagg said the reviews will not compromise safety and
Dilkens, who also chairs the airport's board, questions how losing the airport's tower would affect attracting new airlines and routes.
"Anything that causes them an additional level of concern that makes us less competitive — that’s our economic concern.”
WestJet has said control towers don't influence its operations.
She cited possible delays at non-controlled sites and the need for additional fuel to cover delays or diversions to other airports.
"These inefficiency factors all increase operating costs and can affect the overall commercial viability of routes."
RJ Steenstra, president and CEO of the
"German charter carriers will not fly to an airport that doesn’t have a tower," he said. “When so much of the industry is in flux, it’s not a good time to make a decision like this."
Bagg said
Six premiers have asked Prime Minister
In a statement, Transport Minister
Dilkens said it would be a mistake for
Notices about layoffs were issued to air traffic controllers last month, raising concerns that closures have already been decided. "This has eroded our trust in the process," said Bogusz.
Bagg said letters were sent because the collective agreement requires employees be notified that their jobs may be at risk. The layoffs are subject to the outcome of the reviews.
This report by
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