Declining local traffic is threatening to close down Stephenville International airport (YJT) in Canada. The Newfoundland city has a population of only 8,000 and is unable to support operations of a large airport. Stephenville was previously home to Ernest Harmon US Air Force base, which was closed in 1966, but the 11,000 feet runway remained operational.
The local government now wants to close the airport due to high maintenance costs, although just two days ago a US Airways Boeing 757 landed at Stephenville after a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The TATL flight originated in Philadelphia flying to Brussels, Belgium with 149 passengers and nine crew members on board.
