March 25, 2022
After 736 days in storage, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport’s beloved Hug Rug has been placed back at the bottom of the Arrivals Hall escalator.
Since it was initially introduced in October 2013, the Hug Rug has become an iconic meeting place at YWG for family and friends to greet arriving travellers. It was temporarily removed shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared to help promote physical distancing and minimize touch encounters.
“With restrictions continuing to be lifted, community members are telling us they’re ready to connect again with loved ones,” said Nick Hays, President & CEO of WAA. “We can’t wait to welcome back more travellers safely. What a better way to do so than rolling back out the unofficial welcome mat for our province.”
The return of the Hug Rug coincides with the start of spring break in Manitoba and what is lining up to be one of the busiest weeks in two years at YWG. On Sunday, March 27 alone, in upwards of 9,000 travellers are expected to pass through the airport – the highest number in a single day since the start of the pandemic.
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA) is a community-based, non-share capital corporation that operates, manages, maintains, and invests in Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. Control of the airport was transferred from the federal government to WAA on January 1, 1997.