Leadership with the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce was excited to learn more about the Kenora Airport Authority’s ongoing study into the viability of a commercial airline service for the region.

Members of the public joined the KDCC, Kenora Airport Authority (KAA), the City of Kenora, and community partners at the Kenora Airport Terminal on November 7^th for a Town Hall meeting on the ongoing KAA Air Passenger Service Feasibility Study, being conducted by Intervistas Consulting Inc.

The study is looking into the viability of re-establishing reliable and cost-effective commercial air service for Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances – restoring flights and reconnecting the region to major Canadian hubs like Toronto, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and Calgary.

Consultants say the study has looked into: the economic impacts to the region, a market analysis of the need for commercial airlines, an analysis of potential competitors, stakeholder engagement, potential routes and operations, and financial viability. The next steps for the study include a risk assessment, sourcing airlines for their interest, and an implementation roadmap.

Intervistas consultants note that they have shared concerns regarding congestion of the airport’s apron due to its smaller size, a lack of a dedicated security checkpoint, and the need for additional de-icing equipment for larger planes – something the KAA is actively exploring, they note.

Overall, consultants say they are “very confident” that a commercial air service would be a success in Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances, and there is a strong appetite for it in the region. A draft of the study is expected to be made public by December 2025.

“The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce fully supports the efforts of the Kenora Airport Authority and its partners as they explore the return of commercial air service to our region,” says KDCC President, Andy Scribilo.

“Reliable air connectivity is vital for local businesses, tourism, healthcare, and economic development across northwestern Ontario,” he adds. “This study represents an important step forward in strengthening our regional links, supporting growth, and ensuring Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances remain competitive and connected to major markets.”

Currently, the Kenora Airport only services private, chartered, medical, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry aircrafts. There have been no commercial flights out of the Kenora Airport since May of 2024, when Bearskin Airlines halted service.

KAA notes they’ve been speaking with commercial airlines for 3 to 4 years now, and bringing in commercial airlines would create 2 to 3 jobs in each of Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances’ airports.

The Kenora Airport itself has seen a number of investments from the federal and provincial governments. In 2022, the Kenora Airport received $8.8 million in federal funding to improve its runway and apron through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, which followed a $6 million renovation to the Airport Terminal in 2018 – replacing the original from 1967.