Bring international flights back to city

Despite the easing of pandemic-era restrictions, Ottawa International Airport remains closed to international flights. This closure forces me, and many like me, to reroute through busier hubs such as Toronto or Montreal, transforming what should be straightforward trips into unnecessarily prolonged and complex journeys.

On a recent occasion, what was supposed to be a direct six-hour flight turned into an almost 20-hour ordeal due to the need for additional stops and the risk of missing connecting flights. This not only added to the travel time but also increased the likelihood of missed connections and the associated stress.

The repercussions of this closure extend beyond the inconvenience to travellers. Local businesses within the airport, from taxi services to restaurants and bookstores, are losing significant revenue. This situation raises questions about the rationale behind maintaining a state-of-the-art facility like Ottawa International Airport without utilizing it to its full potential.

Moreover, the continued underutilization of the airport contributes to the congestion at Toronto and Montreal airports, exacerbating delays and overcrowding. Opening Ottawa to international flights would not only alleviate this strain but also distribute travel demands more evenly across the country.

It is disheartening to witness our national capital's airport in this state, especially when considering the investments made to modernize it. As a taxpayer, I find it difficult to understand the logic behind funding an infrastructure that is not operating at its intended capacity. This is not just a local issue but a national concern, reflecting poorly on Ottawa's role on the international stage.

Reopening the airport to international flights is not merely a matter of convenience but a critical step toward supporting our local economy, improving national airport congestion, and upholding the reputation of our capital city. Let's not waste any more time or resources. The time to act is now.

Sivas Premjeyanth, Greely