Heading to Winnipeg's airport on Saturday? Arrive early and pack some patience
Riley Laychuk | CBC News | Posted: August 5, 2017 10:00 AM | Last Updated: August 5, 2017
Upwards of 15,000 people expected to pass through airport on Saturday as Canada Games athletes come and go
If you're planning to go to Winnipeg's airport on Saturday, pack some patience in your carry-on.
Airport officials are warning people to arrive early and expect longer-than-usual lineups due to thousands of Canada Summer Games athletes coming and going through the airport over the course of the day.
"We're going to see big waves of people coming through the airport," said Winnipeg Airports Authority spokesperson Tyler MacAfee. "They're going to be at the baggage carousels, they're going to be at the security line."
"If you're travelling through the airport, the best thing you can do is give yourself some extra time."
MacAfee said August is usually one of the busier months at the airport. On Saturday, upwards of 15,000 people are expected to pass through the airport, about 4,000 more than a typical Saturday in August, he said.
The airport and its partners will have extra staff on hand Saturday to help with the influx, but there still could be long lines, MacAfee said.
"We're definitely going to see a lot of traffic through the airport," he said.
MacAfee said Sunday, Aug. 13 — the last day of the Games — is expected to be another busy day for departures as the second wave of athletes leaves the city.
Officials are encouraging anyone travelling to the airport to visit waa.ca or @YWGairport on Twitter for travel updates before heading to the airport.