SASKATOON – Just under 1.4 million passengers went through John G. Diefenbaker International Airport in Saskatoon during 2013, a 4.8 per cent increase from the previous year.
The increase puts the airport third in the country for air travel growth.
The record-breaking figure was released on Wednesday by airport officials in their annual report.
Another highlight from last year was the October opening of the first phase of the terminal building expansion. Phase two of the $53 million project is scheduled to be complete in January 2015.
Officials said while the project is on budget and the airport has no long-term debt, the growth comes with challenges.
“If I could sum it up, it would be addressing the demand with capacity. What that really means is keeping up with demand and keeping ahead of the curve to bring capacity on, that equates to development,” said Stephen Maybury, CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority.
“You’ve seen a lot of work here in terms of projects and will going forward to ensure that we can meet the demand of the passengers through the terminal building.”
Officials said travellers can expect an increase in services at the airport including food, retail, parking services and lounges.
They are also exploring the possibility of providing a shuttle service at the airport and are attempting to secure a direct international flight to a European or Asian destination.
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