Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 01/01) - Northern airlines are seeing the number of passengers fall and costs increase as the world teeters on the brink of war against terrorism.

While travel within the Northwest Territories remains largely unchanged, airline representatives said fewer people are flying North.

Whether that will get worse with pending American military action against terrorists in wake of attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon remains an unknown.

"It really depends on (the U.S.) retaliation," said Kelly Kaylo, director of marketing for Canadian North.

Mike Olson, Western marketing director with First Air, said there's been a noticeable increase in cancellations and no-shows.

He said the fate of First Air's newly unveiled direct flight between Yellowknife and Vancouver which begins in December hangs in the balance.

"If we see a huge decrease we'll have to reconsider," said Olson.

Airlines could also face higher fees at airports.

"The bottom line is there will be increases security measures," said NWT director of airports Jim Winsor. "Costs will go up."

Winsor also said Yellowknife airport could be hit with costs stemming from having to upgrade security infrastructure, but he noted it's too early to tell.