Stephenville's airport is no longer an airport
Change in status comes as financial woes land in court
Stephenville Dymond International Airport has been hit by turbulence on two separate fronts this week — operational and legal.
At Supreme Court in St. John's on Wednesday morning, lawyers representing the airport in a $2.4-million lawsuit over unpaid bills got permission to withdraw from the case — because they say they haven't been paid either.
Meanwhile, the airport is also now designated as a "registered aerodrome" — at least for the time being.
A notice was sent out about that change in classification on Friday evening.
"You're looking at Stephenville being classified as a bare bones airport with a runway and minimal services," said John Gradek, an aviation expert who teaches at McGill University.
Aviation facilities have three different categories in Canada. An unregistered aerodrome is usually a small airstrip on private property that is not subject to conditions and regulations laid out by Transport Canada.
A registered aerodrome is not subject to ongoing inspection by Transport Canada, but is inspected periodically to verify compliance with regulations.
There are eight registered aerodromes on the island portion of the province, including those in Bell Island, Clarenville and Port aux Choix.
Pilots using registered aerodromes are expected to contact the owner of the facility to ensure it is compliant with Canadian Aviation Regulations.
The highest level is a certified registered aerodrome, also called an airport.
These facilities are regularly inspected by Transport Canada and must adhere to all related regulations.
'Business as usual,' Carl Dymond says
Carl Dymond, owner of the Stephenville airport, would not do an interview. In an emailed statement, he said the reason the classification was changed is "due to improper line painting on the runway and taxiways."
He said he has hired a contractor to complete the work needed, and that is expected to commence in May.
"This does not, in any way, affect our current operations and it is business as usual," Dymond wrote.
Dymond also says he will be requesting a new inspection take place after the work is completed to bring Stephenville's airport back to certified, registered aerodrome status.
But not so fast, says Gradek.
"Not so simple," he said. "Transport Canada will be coming in. Yes. They will be looking at the markings and they'll make sure the markings are properly set up and visible and all that good stuff with markings. But you're going to have a look at the other operations at the airport as well."
According to provincial officials, air ambulances will continue to use Stephenville's airport for medical emergencies.
Gradek worries commercial aircraft will avoid landing at the aerodrome "because there's a certain level of service that you know you need that you don't have for your airplane and for your passengers."
CBC News asked Transport Canada for an interview.
Airport acquisition completed in 2023
Dymond purchased the airport in August 2023, nearly two years after a celebratory announcement signalling his interest — and ambitious plans.
Those included the manufacturing of drones the size of a Hercules aircraft, with a payload of nearly 24,000 kilograms.
Dymond has promised up to $500 million in spending and the creation of thousands of jobs.
He bought the facility for $6.90 and payment of more than $1 million in existing liabilities.
To date, the airport hasn't paid property taxes to the town.
Last month, Stephenville Mayor Tom Rose told CBC News he expected Dymond to soon settle the approximately $500,000 owing.
"I'm confident that this year that will be taken care of," the mayor said at the time.
When contacted this week about the change of the airport's classification, the town did not make anyone available for an interview.
$2.4-million lawsuit ongoing
At Supreme Court in St. John's on Wednesday, an application to set trial dates in a $2.4-million lawsuit against the airport was put on the shelf for two months.
Tristar Electric says it hasn't been paid for its work to install a new runway lighting system.
That claim hasn't been tested in court.
Airport officials weren't in the courtroom Wednesday, but their lawyer was — only to say they wanted off the case, because they haven't been paid.
In a court filing, law firm Benson Buffett says it has "invested significant time and resources" representing the airport in the lawsuit, and added that "Dymond has failed to pay solicitor fees."
The judge granted permission to withdraw from the case.
Tristar's application to set trial dates was pushed back to May 1.
The judge said he wanted to give Dymond time to find a new lawyer.
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