YQR’s international designation reinstated by Transport Canada

YQR is officially an international airport again.

The Regina Airport Authority announced Thursday that Transport Canada confirmed the airport can have an international designation until at least next March. The designation was stripped in January of 2021.

“(Transport Canada officials) have advised us there’s going to be a process that they’re going to put a number of us airports through to reconfirm this designation beyond (next March), but we are very pleased to know that officially we can maintain our international status,” said James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority.

Bogusz said he isn’t sure why the designation was stripped from the airport in the first place, but noted the authority has been working behind the scenes to get Transport Canada to reconsider the decision.

The international designation means the federal government is responsible for providing resources and services to YQR, just as the feds have done since the airport first got the tag in 2002.

“In terms of the ability to handle flights, you are able to bring in flights from the United States or from Mexico/Caribbean to an airport without the designation,” Bogusz said. “The big difference is having the assurance from the government to ensure the resources are going to be here now and in the future.

“Border entry is critical when we’re out as a province (and) out as a community looking to bring in investment to Regina and southern Saskatchewan and those assurances come through an international designation.”

The airport’s title also could give Regina a boost in terms of business and travel possibilities.

“We’re obviously, as a capital city, making sure that we have the caché of a capital city and when we’re out there — not just our airport but our economic development partners (and) those who are considering relocating to our community — having (the designation) here is very important,” Bogusz said.

“And having an international airport by designation in our province is also very important for long-term connectivity.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Shane Clausing