We understand that another protest by striking taxi drivers is planned to block access to the Ottawa International Airport this afternoon. We have been encouraging Coventry Connections and the drivers to resume their negotiations so that they can get back to the business of serving our clients, and hope that they do so for everyone's benefit.

The Airport Authority's priority is to ensure safe, secure and reliable transportation services for passengers, employees and visitors. As such, the allowance of protesters to block our main access route is of concern to the Authority. Emergency vehicles require direct and quick access to the airport in the event of an aircraft or other emergency on-site, per federally regulated procedures for response to airport emergencies. The injunction that was ordered by Justice Beaudoin specifically addresses the issue of access to the airport and states that "demonstrators are not permitted on roadways or streets and vehicle traffic must not be delayed". We are relying on the Ottawa Police Service to deal with this issue and ensure that these crucial access points remain open.

The number of emergencies at our airport in the past year:

• 292 medical calls;
• 15 aircraft emergencies; and
• 24 fire calls.

About the Airport Authority

OMCIAA operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under an 80-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The OMCIAA’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region. More than 4.5 million passengers are served each year, generating more than $2.2 Billion in total economic activity in Ottawa and Gatineau.