Kamloops Airport was a busier place over the past three months as passengers returned – though numbers were still at about 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

That is according to the latest stats put out by Kamloops Airport, showing 53,690 passengers processed in the first three months of the year. That is a 484.2 per cent increase from the 9,190 passengers in the first three months of last year.

As for March alone – which featured the two weeks of spring break – there were 19,330 passengers, a 618.6 per cent increase from the 2,690 passengers in March 2021.

“There is a known pent up demand for leisure travel and YKA saw a significant increase in both inbound traffic to Sun Peaks and outbound travellers to sun destinations,” YKA Managing Director, Ed Ratuski said, noting the passenger numbers reflect the recovery of the aviation industry from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,

“The gradual relaxing of pre-arrival testing requirements, along with lifting of the federal recommendation to avoid non essential travel have also contributed to the recovery.”

As of April 1, travellers who are returning to Canada no longer have to have a negative COVID-19 test, but they still need to be vaccinated. Masks also remain mandatory on planes and in the airport’s terminal building.

Ratuski also says while passenger numbers are still down, airlines continue to add flights to the schedule.

“We are pleased to welcome WestJet Link daily service to Vancouver on May 1,” he said.

That is a brand name under which Pacific Coastal Airlines operates feeder flights for WestJet, created to primarily connect smaller cities with WestJet’s domestic hubs in Calgary and Vancouver.