The first WestJet flight out of Campbell River Airport (YBL) left for Calgary on Friday, marking a milestone for the city and giving residents direct access to one of Canada’s primary aviation hubs.
An event was held at the airport to welcome passengers arriving from Calgary and to celebrate the new non-stop service.
Mayor Kermit Dahl said at the event he felt excited about the new service.
“I’ve been pushing for this for seven and a half years,” Dahl said. “In the beginning, I was told this would never happen.”
He said the connection will provide a boost to the economy and local tourism.
“It’s going to fill hotel rooms and it’s going to help fill whale-watching boats,” he said. “The opportunities are endless.”
Airport manager Dennis Brodie said the first flight is good news for the broader region.
“We appreciate the additional connectivity that we have to the rest of the country and, in fact, internationally now,” Brodie said. “We couldn’t be happier.”
Brodie noted staff have been working with airlines to encourage additional route offerings out of Campbell River.
“Right now, this is a seasonal service that is running through Oct. 23, 2026,” he said. “Starting at four days a week through the third week of June, at which point it will go to a seven-day-a-week service, so once-a-day connectivity to Calgary and points beyond.”
Improvements to passenger spaces and parking lots have been added at YBL, recognizing the larger crowds that may cycle through the airport.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the mayor, the airport manager, city councillors and staff was held to mark the new route.
“We are growing, we are developing and we are generating revenue at the airport so that the taxpayers of Campbell River are not burdened with the cost of operating the airport any longer,” Dahl said. “I hope everybody will take advantage of the WestJet opportunity to fly direct out of Campbell River and enjoy their next holiday.”
