The FAQ on YQL

Following the recent announcement from WestJet that they will discontinue their Lethbridge to Calgary route on June 24, 2026, we’ve been hearing questions and concerns from the community.

As the only commercial air carrier currently servicing YQL, the WestJet announcement is disappointing. We have valued this partnership and the important service they have provided to our community.

We also know there is still lots of activity at the airport and we are actively engaging other air carriers in an effort to bring new passenger routes to YQL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WestJet leaving?
We’ve been informed that this change, which is happening both in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, was made for financial reasons. They have expressed how much they value the partnership, goodwill and collaboration they have received from Lethbridge.

Will our taxes go up because of this? 
No, City property taxes will not increase because WestJet is leaving. At this point, it is business as usual, and we are actively engaging with other potential air carriers to supply new commercial routes out of YQL.

Why was there money spent on recent renovations?
We know our airport has an important role in the growth and development of our community. That’s why we’ve invested in upgrades to our terminal and airfield. These improvements will help us attract a new air carrier to Lethbridge.

What did the renovations cost the City taxpayers?
Starting in 2022, the City of Lethbridge began a series of critical infrastructure upgrades to Lethbridge Airport. Of the money invested in the Airport, 93 per cent was from grant dollars and the remaining seven per cent was previously budgeted in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  The City's contribution of $2.6 million was used to leverage more than $23 million in funding from the Governments of Canada and Alberta. The full background of that project can be found here: Lethbridge Airport takes off with grand opening | City of Lethbridge

What else happens at the airport other than passenger flights?
Last year there were 33,366 flight movements at YQL. Just 717 of those were WestJet, or about two per cent of the air traffic. There is lots of activity happening at the airport daily including flights from:

• Charter airlines
• Private pilots/businesses
• Medevac (medical evacuation)
• RCMP
• Flight school
• Aerial applicators

Why do I have to continue to pay taxes towards the airport if I can’t use it?
The airport supports our community in many ways, not the least of which is emergency medevac services. We hope to never need these services, but they are critical to have in a community of our size. All other users of the airport pay to access YQL which serves as a revenue generator for the City. These are important partners in helping us create a sustainable future for YQL.

We continue to have WestJet services until June 24, 2026, and are actively engaging other potential air carriers to explore new passenger routes from Lethbridge.

How much of the City budget goes towards operating the airport?
The airport generates revenues through aeronautical and non-aeronautical services; however, these do not cover the full amount of expenses necessary to operate the airport. The City provides operating funding of approximately $1.7 million per year to the airport from ongoing taxation and one-time reserve transfers, or approximately 0.85 per cent of the total tax supported City budget. Ongoing efforts are made to ensure the airport is operated as efficiently as possible while meeting the high standards required for aviation safety.