Air Canada is temporarily suspending all flights to Kamloops because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kamloops Airport Managing Director Ed Ratuski says the Kamloops to Calgary flight is being suspended as of March 23, while the Kamloops to Vancouver flight will be suspended as of April 1.

“It’s definitely disappointing, but its a sign of what the airline industry is going through across the country, and globally as well,” he told NL News. “And we weren’t the only airport impacted by these significant measures.”

Ratuski says there has been a noticeable drop in passenger volumes at YKA, especially since Sun Peaks ended operations Wednesday. However, he says the airport will remain open during the pandemic.

“A number of other services that we have to continue to support here,” Ratuski added. “Things like cargo, medivacs, and we’re the main base for the wildfire management service as well. So the airport will remain fully operational throughout this crisis.”

The airport’s other major airline, WestJet, remains committed to serving its Canadian network, Ratuski noted, which includes flights between Kamloops and Calgary, albeit it may be in a reduced capacity.

The pandemic is also delaying the launch of Swoops direct flight from Kamloops to Edmonton – that is now being pushed back to June 17.

As for the potential of temporary layoffs, he says it is a possibility.

“We’re certainly looking at that. We’re not immune to those types of discussions,” Ratuski said. “Some of our business partners are already having those discussions and we’ll be working with our own team to ensure their needs are taken care of.”

And Ratuski is urging people who are trying to cancel flights to contact their airline directly instead of reaching out to the airport, although he says to expect long wait times due to the high call volumes.