Busy year for Gander International Airport
Domestic traffic up three per cent for July
Following an announcement that Gander International Airport is to undergo construction, the airport authority also shared that domestic traffic has seen a significant increase throughout the summer.
Darren Dalton, vicepresident and chief financial officer for the Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA), noted domestic traffic was up three per cent throughout July.
“August is shaping up to be a decent month as well,” said Dalton, noting statistics for the month are yet to be compete.
Overall, the airport has had a busy summer, and Dalton attributes the increase in traffic to tourism.
“The tourism part for Newfoundland
has really taken off, I think,” he said. “Tourism has been marketed heavily the last
few years and it’s starting to pay dividends at this point.”
In fact, the historic international transit lounge in the airport is considered a part of the draw for tourists to Gander.
Dalton said there’s a segment of the population that loves the airport’s history, and this interest is one reason the lounge will be retained during changes to the terminal.
It was recently announced the airport was to undergo upgrades, including some expansions to the baggage halls. However, approximately 31 per cent of the building is expected to be removed.
When asked if construction would negatively impact the airport’s recent traffic bump, Dalton was certain it would have little or no effect.
“No, we have adequate space in this terminal. Passengers flows will not be impacted to any extent,” he said.