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Data collection will help the Lethbridge Airport to develop plans to expand air services. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

City of Lethbridge exploring options to expand service at airport

Jul 10, 2025 | 2:13 PM

The Lethbridge Airport could offer more flights and improved services if a new directive from the city is seen through.

The City of Lethbridge says it is exploring options to support expanded flight availability and better serve regional travel needs.

The options reportedly vary in cost, complexity and risk, and will be evaluated using detailed origin and destination travel data.

Officials say ridership at the Lethbridge Airport peaked in 2019 with around 104,000 passengers.

COVID restrictions during the pandemic resulted in a significant drop in those numbers, and while they have improved somewhat in the years since, they have not fully recovered.

Air Canada halted its services in Lethbridge in early 2020, meaning WestJet has been the city’s sole air service provider for the last five years. Flair Airlines was supposed to enter the market in late 2022, but those plans never came to fruition.

READ MORE: Flair Airlines delays launch of Tucson-bound flights out of Lethbridge until 2023

A news release from the City states that a loss of air service, shifting airline priorities and new regulatory requirements have all impacted the industry. Officials believe that rebuilding reliable service at YQL is essential in restoring traveller confidence and regional air access.

Lethbridge Airport Manager Cameron Prince adds that, by leading with data and a collaborative approach, he hopes to help council make informed decisions to strengthen their services.

“With the direction of the aviation industry post-pandemic becoming clear, we believe it’s the right time to take a comprehensive look at the data, utilizing the latest technology to analyze current travel patterns,” says Prince.

He explains that airlines make decisions based on data, demand and risk, relying on metrics like passenger volume, cost-per-seat, and travel patterns.

The travel data collection process should be completed before the end of this year. The airport will then move forward on its strategy.

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