Gander International Airport has more flyers; traffic up 27 per cent

The President of Gander's International Airport Authority says more people are flying in and out of the airport compared to last year, but the slump in the oil industry and a decliningCanadian dollar could meantougher times ahead.

Reg Wright saidpassenger traffic is up 27 per cent in the first three quarters of this year, mainly because of new airlines and newflights at the airport.

"I think just the addition of new capacity with the airlinesSunWing, Air Canada,WestJet and Provincial Airlines all added new routes or capacityand the markets responded well to that," said Wright.

"Gander's been on a pretty good upward trajectory. We've grown almost 150 per cent since 2007, had a six per cent growth last year and expectingclose on 27 to30 per cent this year," said Wright. "It's pretty encouraging to see consistent growth here at the airport."

But while the numbers are encouraging, therecould be tougher times ahead.

"Airports are really a good barometer of the economy. As the economy goes, so goes passenger traffic," said Wright.

"We really temper our optimism. The economy is in a difficult place right now, prospects are difficult largely because of the draw down out west in the oil patch. I think most airports have felt a pinch as a result of that."

That's not the only factor.

"The Canadian dollar is at 77 cents [U.S.]today so a lot of people who would normally fly trans-border for a U.S. vacation are probably reconsidering that in lieu of thedollar."

Wright said the airport authority only counts people who buy tickets at the Gander airport in its passenger numbers.

For example, passengers re-directed to Gander this summer while arunway was upgraded at the St. John's International Airport, would not be counted.

Wright saidthe numbers will help decidehow the airport operates in the future.

"I think it's going to be very much about retention for the next fewyearstrying to keep what you have. We want all our airline partners to be profitable, so that's the most important thing."