The 28 per cent decline in aircraft and passenger traffic at Dryden Regional Airport in October from the same month in 2000 is being attributed to the pulling out of Calm Air. The Manitoba-based carrier cancelled its twice-daily service from Dryden to Winnipeg on Oct. 1 citing increased competition and declining passenger numbers as the reason for pulling out. The community is serviced by Bearskin Airlines, which began daily service to Winnipeg in mid-October. To restore lost revenue, airport officials are considering making better use of hangar space, establishing retail opportunities in the terminal and selling off property for commercial uses.
