Flights departing from Wabush Airport are set to recommence on Wednesday morning following a temporary suspension that took place on Tuesday. The interruption was due to the inability of flights with over 19 seats to land in Wabush as the airport did not have the necessary firefighting services, aligning with a recent designation change mandated by Transport Canada in 2020.
In a recent development, Transport Canada revised the airport’s designation to require firefighting and crash rescue services, resulting in a mismatch with the services available at the airport. Labrador MP Philip Earle confirmed on Tuesday evening that a resolution had been reached to reinstate flights at Wabush Airport the next day, emphasizing the critical importance of the airport for the residents of western Labrador.
Earle explained that the temporary solution involves adjusting the airport’s designation one level lower than initially planned by Transport Canada, allowing time to bring in the required assets. He anticipated that the necessary assets would be in place within the next couple of weeks to meet the revised designation.
The flight suspension had significant implications for travelers, including those with medical appointments. Amanda Harnum’s family faced challenges when their scheduled flight for her daughter’s medical appointment in St. John’s was affected. Despite the disruption, they managed to secure an alternative flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, requiring a lengthy six-hour drive from Labrador West on short notice.
Expressing the essential nature of the airport for the region, Harnum highlighted the critical role it plays in serving the residents of Labrador West. Earle acknowledged the concerns raised by Labrador residents and emphasized the importance of air service for remote communities like Wabush.
The resolution of the issue was welcomed by all parties involved, ensuring the continuity of essential services provided by Wabush Airport.