In a surprising turn of events, the Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport – an aviation hub straddling the Canada-U.S. border – will close its doors permanently by the end of this week. This marks the end of an era for an airport that has served travelers for over 70 years.

Located just south of Piney, Manitoba, and more than 150 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, this unique airport is set to shut down on December 27. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the facility has seen a significant decline in usage, requiring extensive maintenance not only for its runway but also for its apron and terminal facilities.

The airport first opened in July 1953, designed to facilitate cross-border travel and streamline customs processes for passengers. Initially, the runway ended precisely at the Canadian border, but in the early 1970s, plans were proposed to extend the runway into Canada, transforming it into one of the rare bi-national airports in North America.

Despite its interesting history, MnDOT announced that the international agreement necessary for the airport's operation would expire on December 26, and officials have opted not to renew it. This decision highlights the changing landscape of air travel and the challenges of maintaining small, less-frequented airports.

Travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike may lament the loss of this unique gateway between two nations. CTV News has reached out to MnDOT, along with provincial and federal governments, in search of further details surrounding this closure and its implications for border travel.

Will this airport's shutdown impact cross-border logistics and traffic? Stay tuned for updates as we follow this developing story!