The Fort McMurray International Airport is welcoming back international flights.
Thanks to the reinstatement of Canada Boarder Services Agency travellers were able to return from the inaugural Laughin, Nevada flight in just over three hours.
It was the first time Canada Customs services operated at the airport since 2015 thanks to a funding partnership with the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation’s (WBEDC) Strategic Investment Fund.
“Investing in this CBSA partnership will open further opportunities of international destinations for our community,” said Kevin Weidlich, president and CEO of the WBEDC. “A combination of domestic and international air services enables tourism growth and positions the region as a top destination for attractions such as the Northern Lights, conferences, meetings and sporting events.”
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority matched contributing funds towards reinstating Canada Customs services.
“Our organizations share a common goal, and that is to increase the flow of trade and travellers to our region,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Airport Authority. “Air transportation, economic prosperity and quality of life are all interdependent, and we are pleased to see WBEDC equally recognize and support these synergies.”
Steenstra credits having Canada Customs at the airport as a big reason why the YMM Laughlin Experience sold out in record time.
The Airport says that it demonstrates to airlines and vacation product providers that the market is worth investing in.
