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Commercial flights set to resume at Fort McMurray airport

The first flight back to the Fort McMurray International Airport following last month's wildfires landed Friday morning. Credit: Fort McMurray International Airport Twitter

A little over a month after an enormous wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 people, Fort McMurray will take another major step in its recovery Friday by resuming commercial air service through its airport.

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In a release issued Monday, officials with the Fort McMurray International Airport said Friday will “mark an important milestone for the community” and that it plans to host a reopening celebration to welcome back travellers.

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The airport first announced the June 10 date for commercial air service to resume late last month.

Watch below: Timelapse from a YMM camera begins in the evening of Tuesday, May 3 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, May 4, 2016, showing smoke getting increasingly thicker and a building at the old terminal catching fire. An official with the Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo said the building is the Nova Hotel which was used by flight crews.

Click to play video: 'Hotel at Fort McMurray airport’s old terminal catches fire'
Hotel at Fort McMurray airport’s old terminal catches fire

The Alberta government’s voluntary, phased re-entry plan was completed over the weekend but residents of three restricted areas are still not allowed to return.

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The communities of Abasand, Beacon Hill and Waterways were some of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods impacted by the Fort McMurray wildfire. They have been off limits because of unsafe levels of toxic chemicals.

READ MORE: ‘It is going to be an emotional day’: Wood Buffalo official on eve of restricted area visits in Fort McMurray

On Wednesday, residents from the three neighbourhoods will be allowed back to see what’s left of their properties.

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