35K holiday travellers expected daily at Calgary International Airport
In spite of a surging Omicron variant causing change and confusion in the travel industry, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is expecting 35,000 guests per day over the holiday period, from Dec. 16 to Jan. 3, 2022.
Recognized as the busiest period of the year, the Calgary Airport Authority is asking guests to be fully prepared to navigate through holiday travel at YYC. This includes understanding COVID-19 testing and safety policies, packing permitted items and having patience while making their way through large holiday crowds.
"We recommend to everyone they check ahead about the testing to the jurisdictions to which you are travelling, and check with your airline about testing procedures," said Calgary Airport Authority spokesperson Chris Miles.
"We are seeing the public health agency and other partners responding to the growth of different variants of concern and we are working with them to ensure the proper testing requirements are in place."
Travellers returning from international destinations are also advised to ensure they have the most up-to-date version of the ArriveCAN app to gain entry into Canada.
"There's been some issues with the app, every time there's an update we get some issues," said Lisa White of the Canadian Border Services Agency.
"Have that plan B in place, try and have paper copies of everything or take a screen shot of the verification code when you've completed the ArriveCAN submission, that will help officers to get you through the terminal."
All foreign nationals five years of age and older and Canadians five years of age or older who re-enter Canada after more than 72 hours away must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR) to enter Canada.
As well, all travellers arriving by air from anywhere but the U.S. will be tested on arrival and will need to self-isolate while they wait for their test results.
On top of navigating through the several layers of restrictions and tests, travellers will also be contending with large crowds.
Prior to the pandemic, 2019 was a banner year and saw 50,000 daily guests grace YYC corridors undertaking holiday travel. This year, 35,000 are expected during the holiday period.
"We've worked hard over the past 20 months to provide a safe and secure experience for our guests during the pandemic, and we'll continue to support our partners and regulatory partners to maintain that experience for holiday travellers," said Miles.
More information on Canadian travelling requirements can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.