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Community Embraces the Return of Hug Rug at YWG

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 travelers. 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 travelers 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 travelers are expected to pass through the airport – the highest number in a single day since the start of the pandemic. To help make spring break plans go smoothly, here are our top…

Hug Rug makes long-overdue landing in Winnipeg airport’s arrivals area

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This article was published 25/03/2022 (1529 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s one of the best things about travelling — the hug from a loved one that says without words how much you’ve missed each other.

After 736 days in storage, the Hug Rug is back at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, reassuming its place at the foot of the stairs and escalator to welcome arrivals.

Debbie MacPhee was the first arrival to fling her arms around a loved one atop the rug. The Halifax woman crouched to embrace her granddaughter, then wrapped her arms around her daughter.

Winnipeg Airport Authority president and CEO Nick Hays places the “hug rug” back in its place after two years stored away due to COVID-19. (Cody Sellar / Winnipeg Free Press)

“We booked the trip two years ago, and it was cancelled on us. It’s been about four years now since we’ve seen them, and it was absolutely wonderful to come and just get a hug,” she said.

Nick Hays, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Airport Authority, said the rug’s return symbolizes positive change for travellers.

“This is a very exciting moment for…