The global disruption in air travel, and a subsequent loss in revenue, has caused the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority to increase its fees.

The Passenger Facilitation Fee will increase by $5 from $20 to $25 starting January 1, 2021.

The president and CEO of the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority, Tammy Priddle, says while they have implemented a number of cost-saving measures over the last few months, they have no other option but to increase fees.

She says cash flow has all but dried up, and there are limits to the amount of debt they can service.

Added to that challenge is the fact that they have to complete major runway rehabilitation and resurfacing in the coming year. Priddle says the $7.8-million project cannot be delayed and will consume all of their capital reserves.