The Fort McMurray International Airport is receiving a global health accreditation from Airports Council International.

The ACI has been recognizing airports who’ve taken serious steps towards cleaning and disinfecting, physical distancing, and safety of staff and passengers.

The YMM Airport is the first in Western Canada to get the accreditation and third in Canada following Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montral-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

RJ Steenstra, President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, tells Mix News it’s special to see the efforts being taken during the COVID-19 pandemic are being recognized.

“It’s just positive reinforcement for us that we’re doing the right things and have taken the measures that are appropriate to ensure passengers regain confidence or have confidence coming through our airport facility.”

The ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation program is completely voluntary with several other airports in Canada currently taking part.

Steenstra says they’re hoping this will encourage more people to use the airport, especially during the pandemic.

“We’re part of a system and people are coming here from all over not only Canada but North America and the world and they go out to those places, so we wanna make sure we’re a part of that standard.”