WINNIPEG – Air travel has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the Winnipeg Airports Authority says it could take years to recover.

It’s projecting a $45 million deficit this year.

On a normal day, Richardson International would see 13,000 passengers but during the pandemic, the daily count has been as low as 56 people through the gates.

The WAA is hoping Ottawa will help cover costs until traffic improves somewhat.

Photo: @YWGairport