The Ottawa International Airport was bustling with travellers catching flights to all parts of the globe on Wednesday, in one of the busiest travel days of the season.
"Families were taking off. There was a lot of holiday travel for Christmas; there's also a lot of travel to the south to get away," said Krista Kealey, spokesperson for the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
About 15,000 passengers passed through the airport on Wednesday; Friday was busier with 16,000 passengers.
While many of those passengers were boarding planes to visit family over the holidays, others were heading to sunny destinations, choosing to leave the cold behind.
"It's a relief -- so cold here," said Khairulla Aben, a Laurentian University student who booked his flight to Cuba at the last minute.
However, those looking to book a last-minute tropical vacation may be out of luck. Travel agents say there are few sunny destinations still available for Christmas travel.
"Over New Year's, just about everything is sold out--there's a bit of space left for Cuba," said Laurie Hansen of Bytown Travel.
However, those looking to fly south in January are in luck. Hansen said there are still some good prices available for the new year.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
