Winnipeg Airport is near pre-pandemic passenger levels

Winnipeg Airport had a landmark year in 2023, with more than four million passengers passing through the airport for the first time since 2019.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) announced Tuesday that the airport handled about 4.1 million passengers last year, up nearly one million passengers from 2022. That brings the airport to 91.3 percent of pre-pandemic numbers.

“Looking back at our journey over the past twelve months and the accomplishments of our dedicated team members alongside our esteemed partners, there is much to be proud of,” said Nick Hayes, WAA President and CEO. news release.

“From new destinations to new airlines to more options for travelers, 2023 is truly an exciting year as it makes Manitoba an even better place to call home.”

Not only the increase in the number of passengers.

According to WAA, consolidated revenue in the fourth quarter increased 11.1 percent compared to the same period in 2022. The airport's net income also increased year-over-year by $21.7 million.

“We're excited to see how far we've come in terms of continuing to rebuild,” Hayes said.

“But at the same time, we know that we still have a long way to go before our organization can return to the financial position it once loved, because we had to take on additional debt to ensure that we could continue to operate the airport during the pandemic. – an important part of infrastructure for society”.

WAA recently announced a new collection of free cell phones at the airport, as well as direct flights to Chicago and Denver via United Airlines.