News
Fort McMurray International up and running again
Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) celebrated a significant milestone for the community on June 10 – the return of commercial air service to YMM.
June 13, 2016 By Fort McMurray International Airport
At 9:11 a.m. June 10, Air Canada flight 8371 from Calgary touched down, marking the first commercial flight to arrive at YMM. It has been over one month since all inbound and outbound commercial flights at YMM were suspended to provide Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) dedicated use of the runways and airspace around YMM for emergency operations relating to the wildfire.
“Today marks an important milestone for the community as we celebrate the return of commercial air service to YMM”, said Scott Clements, president and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “I cannot thank our employees and business partners enough for their commitment and dedication to helping us recover and prepare for this day. Their support allows us to stand here today, in a safe, clean and inviting terminal building, doing what we do best – welcoming residents and travellers alike to our community.”
Thank You & Welcome Home
As YMM proudly reopens, passengers and community members are asked to participate in the Airport’s Welcome Home / Thank You art installation. Jointly designed by Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and YMM, these boards will provide residents the opportunity to thank the communities that supported them during the evacuation, as well as inscribe a message of hope for fellow community members returning home. Boards are located at both EIA and YMM and once filled, will be exchanged and proudly displayed throughout the great cities of Edmonton and Fort McMurray.
Comfort Kits
Arriving passengers were greeted with a comfort kit filled with items to aid in their return to the community. Items included a cooler bag, bottled water, energy bars, hand sanitizer, and notebooks. The comfort kits were generously funded by a number of Airport business partners including WestJet, Air Canada, Pattison Outdoor Advertising and ATB Financial. The YMM Merchants Association, consisting of food, beverage and retail operators at the Airport also donated flower seed packets to commemorate the return to the community.
