Halifax Stanfield International Airport is gearing up to reach new heights in 2024 with a surge of international and domestic flights expected to restore passenger numbers to pre-pandemic levels. The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) announced ambitious plans during a presentation to the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee, outlining efforts to meet or exceed the 4.3 million passengers recorded in 2019.
HIAA Chief Financial Officer Paul Brigley reported that passenger volumes in 2024 have already approached 4 million and are poised for further growth. Joyce Carter, President and CEO of HIAA, emphasized the pivotal role of a new international connections facility opening this summer in attracting more direct flights and enhancing passenger experiences.
New non-stop services to global destinations will play a key role in the airport’s recovery. Edelweiss Air is set to launch flights to Zurich in July, and WestJet will reintroduce its long-awaited Paris route in May, marking its return since 2022. Additionally, Discover Airlines will operate five weekly flights to Frankfurt, JetBlue will commence service to Boston in June, and American Airlines is bringing back its Chicago route this summer—restoring a key U.S. destination lost since 2019.
Regional air connectivity is also expanding. Porter Airlines began offering flights to Tampa and Orlando in December, while Pascan Aviation resumed its routes to Sydney, Cape Breton, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
The airport’s cargo operations are also drawing international interest, with global logistics company Maersk introducing cargo flights to Halifax for the first time. Brigley highlighted the potential for increased seafood exports to Europe and Asia, as U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods like lobster could create new opportunities for Nova Scotia exporters.
Meanwhile, HIAA continues to advocate for enhanced public transit options. Carter stressed the importance of Halifax Transit’s Route 320, which connects downtown Halifax to the airport. She highlighted a special bus ticket launched last year to simplify travel for passengers unfamiliar with local transit systems. HIAA is urging Halifax Transit to increase the frequency and operational hours of Route 320 to better support overnight airport staff and early travelers.
The airport’s economic impact remains substantial, with an annual contribution of $3 billion to the Halifax Regional Municipality, labor income of $927 million, and employment for approximately 15,600 people in 2023. Renovation projects funded by federal investments will further enhance the airport’s facilities, ensuring it remains a critical hub for international and domestic travel.
Source: Swifteradio.com
