REGINA, Sask. — Regina International Airport and its tenants contribute more than $750 million annually to the city's economy, according to airport CEO James Bogusz, who says Aerospace and Aviation Week has been an opportunity to highlight that impact.
Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said YQR is Canada's 15th-busiest airport, with its tenants — including businesses, airlines and event organizers — contributing to the local economy.
“WestJet – being one of our major airlines, Air Canada, the on-site business activity that occurs, the land tenants, all of that together makes a massive difference to creating jobs, and to really help push the province forward,” said Bogusz.
Bogusz said Regina's flight connections to key hubs in Canada and the United States have been a major factor in attracting workers and businesses to the city.
He is particularly grateful to the City of Regina and the Saskatchewan government for their support in securing daily flights to major U.S. hubs such as Minneapolis and Denver.
“Frankly, we punch well above our weight in terms of how much connection and connectivity we have – given the size of our population here in Regina,” said Bogusz.
This past week, Regina International Airport was a major sponsor of the 2026 Wings of Saskatchewan Conference and Trade Show, an event hosted by the Saskatchewan Aviation Council that alternates between Regina and Saskatoon each year.
The event brought together aviation businesses and regulators from Transport Canada to share information about their practices and discuss the industry's future.
Bogusz said he is optimistic about YQR's future, pointing to the airport's 10-year master plan as a roadmap for continued development.
“About every 10 years, we, airports in Canada, essentially create a roadmap for investments. This would include infrastructure on airport property – target areas of focus,” said Bogusz.
Bogusz said the airport has its sights set on more passenger flights, new businesses setting up on airport land and expanding its air cargo operations. Rather than running those businesses itself, YQR hopes to create the conditions for them to take off.
