By Pete McIntyre

Flight reductions expected at YLW

Mar 19, 2020 | 4:50 PM

Kelowna International Airport is open and flights are operating, but management expects to see flight reductions over the coming days as the airlines respond to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

All passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline as information is rapidly changing.

Air Canada has announced route cancellations on domestic and international routes. Kelowna-Toronto and Kelowna-Edmonton routes will be suspended from Mar. 23-Apr. 30. Other routes are operating, but may be on a reduced schedule.

WestJet announced the suspension of all commercial international and transborder operations for a 30-day period effective Sunday, March 22. In addition, WestJet’s domestic schedule will be reduced by 50 per cent.

Swoop service to Las Vegas will be suspended as of Monday, March 23.

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The airport has also increased sanitization of high-touch points, added more hand sanitizer stations, and implemented social distancing measures.

Airport director Sam Samaddar said he knows there is concern among passengers, employees and residents about the outbreak.

“We take our COVID-19 response seriously and are following the direction of the Provincial Health Ministry to deal with situation in British Columbia. We agree with the health experts’ direction to exercise an abundance of caution in dealing with this virus, so that we can curb its spread in our community,” Samaddar said.

The federal government has advised all Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside the country and has closed the borders to non-residents.

“Anyone who is showing flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board an aircraft destined for Canada,” stated Samaddar.

Travellers returning from international locations are advised to self-isolate for 14 days after their return to Canada.

With the COVID issue continuing to evolve, temporary changes to several airport services have been implemented until further notice.

Most dining services will offer take-out service only, with the exception of White Spot, which is open. At each dining location, napkins and cups are available upon request.

Until further notice, drop-off valet service will not be available. Passengers who currently have vehicles parked in valet parking may pick up their vehicle directly upon their return.

For the health and safety of ambassadors and passengers, the Airport Ambassador program is temporarily suspended.

The Family Adventure Zone kid’s play area is temporarily closed to maintain social distancing.

by Pete McIntyre

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