KALISPELL — Glacier Park International Airport usually sees a slight increase in travelers for the month of May, but this year's numbers are nowhere near where they were last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Airport director Rob Ratkowski says the airport has seen a slow increase in passengers this month with 100 people per day as compared to 30 at the beginning of April. While travel is up, he told MTN News that it's nowhere near normal tourist season.
"We're anticipating a significantly reduced passenger count, compared to last year," said Ratkowski. "For this time of year right now, we should be doing at least six to seven hundred people a day. Like I said, we're doing a little over one hundred. It's hard to get a real projection. Just like everyone else we're waiting to see the intensity and speed of recovery."
Ratkowski added that concessions are opening up with limited seating to enforce six-foot distancing rules and regular sanitation continues. Additionally, inbound passengers should expect to be greeted by the Montana National Guard, where they will perform voluntary temperature checks and ask you a few questions.
He told MTN News that the Montana National Guard is scheduled to be stationed at the airport until late June.
