Chamber warns of economic losses if air service isn’t restored soon
Chamber warns of economic losses if air service isn’t restored soon
An email sent Tuesday to members of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce warns of economic losses if air passenger service in the region is not restored by next summer.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
Chamber warns of economic losses if air service isn’t restored soon
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 16, 2026.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce says if passenger air service is not restored in Medicine Hat by the middle of 2027 the city will lose federal infrastructure funding tied to scheduled service.
On Tuesday the chamber sent an email to members highlighting economic impacts following the loss of scheduled air service after WestJet ceased service to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge in June as a cost-saving measure.
Along with losing eligibility for government funding to maintain airport infrastructure, the chamber also highlighted concerns impacting local businesses and residents, and is asking all stakeholders to complete an online survey.
“Whether it has impacted your ability to meet clients, attract and retain employees, connect with suppliers, access new markets or grow your business, we want to hear from you,” reads the email.
An online survey link with 11 questions has been sent to chamber members in partnership with the city and New West Public Affairs that seeks to better understand real-world impacts, like increased travel times and challenges recruiting new talent.
“Every survey response helps build the case for restoring reliable, sustainable air service to our region and supports ongoing advocacy efforts with provincial and federal governments, airlines and key stakeholders.” continues the email.
The chamber says finding replacement air service would better protect local economic growth and opportunities, increase access to national and international markets and attract investment and new workers.
No replacement carriers have been found to replace WestJet, however city administration and elected officials say they have been aggressively working to find one, submitting more than 20 expressions of interest with passenger airlines across the county.
Last year the regional airport experienced a 30 per cent year-over-year increase to 37,000 total air traffic movements, including private flights.
Annually the Medicine Hat Regional Airport contributes approximately $16 million to the city’s GDP and supports 135 jobs.
Over the past five years it has served as a hub for HALO Air Ambulance, which has delivered more than 4,400 patient medevac transfers and more than 800 helicopter rescue missions.
Council approved a motion in June to adopt the first phase of the Airport Strategic Master Plan, developed to establish a realistic vision and strategic direction for the airport over the next 20 years, focusing on its social and economic value.
Phase one was developed with data collected by staff from several community engagement processes that included interviews with stakeholders, open houses and a public survey of more than 700 responders.
According to airport users interviewed by staff, 84 per cent said scheduled airline service ranks as very important, and 93 per cent said continual emergency airline service ranked as very important.
The master plan also includes five strategic goals – effective service delivery, the facility as an economic catalyst, benefiting the wellbeing of the community, financial stability and progressive improvement, and leveraging partnerships for success.