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For some, the holiday season means packing their bags to spend time with loved ones, some of whom are half a world away.
The St. John’s International Airport, located in the city’s east end, was busy on Christmas Eve as people were arriving at their destination and catching flights.
Curtis Collier, who landed at the airport in the morning, said he’s looking forward to his mother’s home cooked meals and having turkey dinner on Christmas Day.
He added his mother’s family has Polish-Ukrainian roots so she makes perogies and cabbage rolls on Christmas Eve.
“It feels great to be home, I haven’t been here since October so I’m very much looking forward to seeing my family and friends,” Collier told CBC News.
Marion and Dave Osborne were at the airport to catch a flight to Halifax so they could join their daughter and grandchildren for the holidays.
She said the grandchildren are “very, very excited” to see them, with Dave Osborne adding when they visited in October “the first words they asked — ‘You’re coming back for Christmas?’ So that would give you an indication.”
She said it is a relief that the weather was clear too, so there would be no travel delays.
“I was so upset, thinking I wasn’t going to get there. It would have ruined our Christmas.”
With clear skies in St. John’s passengers are lifting off and touching down, just in time for Christmas. The CBC’s Leila Beaudoin reports.
Rome for the holidays
Martin O’Driscoll was at the airport to begin the first leg of his journey that will bring him to Rome, where he will be visiting his brother’s family.
He’s looking forward to seeing his young niece and nephew, adding he saw them in Paris last year.
“They’re so happy to see me. I’m so happy to see them. It brings joy to my life,” said O’Driscoll.
It was also “fantastic” to start the first leg of his long journey on time with no delays, he said.
“As you know about Newfoundland weather, it’s unpredictable. So I’ve been the victim of several cancellations and postponements,” said O’Driscoll.
“I’m very grateful to be getting out today.”
He expects to arrive in Rome at 9 a.m. on Christmas morning.
O’Driscoll said people travelling on the holidays tend to be in a “jolly mood” and while airport staff are still working they exude a certain joy.
Gabriella Walsh and Benjamen Bragg, along with their small dog Winnie, started their day in Halifax before landing in St. John’s.
Walsh said her family lives on Newfoundland’s southern shore, so they’re headed to Kingman’s Cove for the holidays.
“We’re really excited to go do that. And we always have a big Boxing Day party, so I’ll get to see all my family,” she said.
Bragg said he’s also looking forward to spending time with friends and family.
Walsh said they “lucked out for sure” when it came to travel weather.
“We were really worried. We’re always really worried, travelling around this time of year, you never know with delays,” she said.
Bragg added he gives a “sigh of relief” when they can sit down in their plane seats.
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