Halifax Stanfield Airport fees to go up

Halifax International Airport Authority is upgrading its infrastructure as part of a 10-year plan.

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport will undergo facility changes and an expansion of current services.

“Halifax Stanfield is one of the most critical pieces of transportation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada,” said Joyce Carter, HIAA president and CEO, in a press release. “Over half of all the air passengers and air cargo that move in Atlantic Canada pass through our airport, creating a tremendously positive impact on Halifax and the entire province as an economic generator and growth enabler.”

Investments include upgrades to airfield lighting, runway, taxiway and apron restoration and terminal building expansion, among other things.

“These improvements demonstrate our continued focus on safety, and are required to meet the needs of our current and future passengers and visitors, allowing us to compete effectively for new business and to adapt to the long-term needs of our airline partners,” said Carter.

There are three primary sources of capital funding that major Canadian airports like Halifax Stanfield can use to fund necessary capital investments — reinvestment of operating surpluses, debt markets (borrowing) and the Airport Improvement Fee ( AIF).

They HIAA has announced a $3 extra charge to the AIF, to $28, effective Jan.1, 2018.

“This $3 change will be reflected on airline tickets sold on or after Oct. 1, 2017 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after January 1, 2018,” said a release.

HIAA is also announcing that the AIF charged to passengers departing to Sydney, will decrease to $15 from $25, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

This $10 change will be reflected on airline tickets sold on or after Oct. 1, 2017 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after January 1, 2018.

“We want to make the option of flying between the two largest cities in our province more affordable. A five-hour road trip can easily become a short 40-minute flight, allowing business travellers to make a quick day trip between the two cities and allowing tourists visiting our province, that don’t have much time, to experience both Halifax and Cape Breton.

“We believe this reduction in AIF for passengers flying within Nova Scotia will improve the competitiveness of air travel in the region,” says Carter.