The COVID-19 pandemic has had a “catastrophic” impact on the St. John’s International Airport, so much so that the east area expansion has been put on hold indefinitely.

Passenger traffic at the airport has decreased by 95 per cent.

The chair of the board of directors, Tom Williams, says it will take approximately four to five years before passenger volumes see 2019 levels.

They are projecting significant losses in revenue of 70 per cent for 2020.

The airport will need to borrow money to continue operating safely. Williams says he is not aware of any federal relief programs as of yet.

There have been no staff cuts since the pandemic, however, a staffing review is underway. The airport is cost-cutting to preserve their cash flow.

Williams says the airport is as completely operational as it was before the pandemic as it provides many essential services.