Halifax airport expansion aims to simplify international connections

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport will open an international connections facility in 2025 in a bid toenhance the travel experience for passengers and increase cargo operations.

The upgrade will expand the second floor to allow international passengers to change to domestic flights on the same floor, instead of having to exit customs and collect their baggage as they currently do.

"Prior to that, there was only so much capacity, so we're looking forward to hopefully welcoming new air services and more international passengers," said Jessica Pettigrew, communications and marketing adviser with the Halifax International Airport Authority.

Having served over threemillion people last year, the Halifax airport is the eighthbusiest in the country and the only one in Atlantic Canada to haveUnited States border pre-clearance facilities, making it a hub for international flights.

The project will costan estimated$18 million. Of that total,$3 million will come from the province, $8.4 million from the federal government and $6.6 million from the Halifax International Airport Authority.

The facilityis expected tobringeconomic benefits of $800 million to the region, according to the airport authority.

What will change

Pettigrew said the upgrade will allowinternational passengers that had connecting flights in Halifax to move through the airport to catch their next plane more quickly, giving them more timeto visit restaurants and shops.

Additionally, the expansion will accommodate wide-body aircraft, increasing the cargo capacity.

"We've already heard from several other airlines who have expressed interest in once the expansion is complete and actually utilizing the new space," said Pettigrew.

"We're hoping that that comes to fruition and we just continue to build on our international non-stop flight destinations."

A news release announcing the funding also said the project will help draw more non-stop flights, leading to an expected reduction in greenhouse gases of 11 per cent a year by 2035.

Business as usual during constructions

While the improvements are underway, passengers can expect to see white hoardingsin areas where the work is taking place.

HIAA plans to include QR codes so people can learn more about the project, said Pettigrew.

Other than that, she said the construction should not affect operations atthe airport.

Watch:Halifax airport to get multimillion-dollar upgrade:

Halifax airport to get multimillion-dollar upgrade

3 months ago

Duration 5:23

Ottawa announced up to $8.3 million in funding for a new section dedicated to international travellers connecting to Canadian flights. Airport president and CEO Joyce Carter shares the details with Amy Smith.