Ottawa Airport says circling trucks tried to ‘disrupt operations’
Posted February 10, 2022 11:01 am.
Last Updated February 10, 2022 11:23 am.
Dozens of trucks circled the arrivals and departures loop at Ottawa International Airport on Thursday morning in an attempt to “disrupt operations” an airport spokesperson said in a statement.
Krista Kealey said around 60 to 70 light trucks were circling the airport roadways.
“Airport traffic is already extremely light due to the pandemic so the impact so far is minimal,” she said.
The City of Ottawa later tweeted that the incident had been “cleared” but didn’t say if the trucks left voluntarily or if any arrests were made.
Incident cleared: Ottawa International Airport #otttraffic
— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) February 10, 2022
Kealey said the airport was “very disappointed that the protesters have chosen to disrupt an industry that has already been decimated by the pandemic.
“The Ottawa International Airport is an important link for essential products and services for Canada’s north, and an important economic engine for the region. Disrupting our airport will hurt people who are already suffering, including passengers and employees who rely on our industry for their livelihood and wellbeing.”
Similar concerns about supply chain disruptions are being voiced in connection to an ongoing protest at the Ambassador Bridge that links Windsor to Detroit and is a key portal for the automotive industry.
Ford plants in Oakville and Windsor are operating at a reduced capacity because vehicle parts aren’t getting across the border and the industry has warned a prolonged protest would have implications on both sides of the border.
With files from The Canadian Press
