BC Ferries, Victoria airport hopeful for a busy summer season

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WatchBC Ferries and Victoria's airport are gearing up for what could be a very busy summer, following a long year of Vancouver Islanders being cooped up at home.

The long wait through the pandemic feels almost over.

BC Ferries and the Victoria International Airport are welcoming back passengers, some who may be travelling for the first time in over a year.

“We know people are really eager to get back to travelling,” says Astrid Chang, manager of corporate communications at BC Ferries. “Seeing those people they haven’t been able to connect with over the many months that we’ve been under travel restrictions.”

Those responsible for getting people to and from are also feeling the excitement.

“We are really anxious to see our passengers back, all signs point to that there is recovery on the way,” says Rod Hunchak, the director of business development and community relations for Victoria International Airport.

BC Ferries is continuing to follow guidance from Transport Canada and provincial health officers.

The big change passengers will notice, starting Thursday is that masks will no longer be mandatory, just recommended.

If you plan on flying, current COVID protocols will remain in place at the airport for the month of July.

“Were just taking a cautious approach. We want to make sure that the message that we put out is consistent,” says Hunchak.

But, airport staff are still eager to have travellers back.

“I certainly hope that through the summer we see higher numbers and eventually opening the terminal back up to the public and hopefully in the next couple of months get back to a more normal environment for travel,” added Hunchak.

BC Ferries, as well as the airport are asking travellers to look online for the latest travel information and to double-check restrictions that may still be in place at their destination.’

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Hannah LepineHannah Lepine

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