November 13, 2025

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is pleased to announce that Roshanak Sadeghi-Zadeh will join its Executive Management Team in January 2026 as Vice President, People, Culture & Belonging.

Roshanak currently serves as Director, People and Belonging with IWK Health, a senior leadership role she has held for the past four years. She brings more than 23 years of human resources leadership experience across the healthcare, municipal, and transportation sectors.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Roshanak to HIAA as head of the People Department,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO at HIAA. “Roshanak’s extensive experience in human resources, including labour relations and collective bargaining, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and employee engagement, combined with her collaborative leadership style, makes her the perfect addition to our team.”

In her new position at HIAA, Roshanak will oversee the People Department, which manages all aspects of HR, including labour and employee relations, organizational culture, recruitment, compensation and benefits, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), career development and succession planning.

“What drew me to this role is HIAA’s genuine commitment to people,” said Sadeghi-Zadeh. “I look forward to building on a strong foundation and partnering with teams across the organization to nurture a culture where everyone feels they truly belong and can grow together.”

Roshanak holds a Master of Science degree, Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) Designation, Strategic Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), change management and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate. She will officially join HIAA on January 5, 2026.

For more information on HIAA’s leadership team, visit https://halifaxstanfield.ca/airport-authority/who-we-are/senior-leadership-team/.

August 28, 2025

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is proud to announce its new multi-year sponsorship agreement with Autism Nova Scotia, reinforcing its commitment to accessible travel and inclusive community programs.

“At Halifax Stanfield, our purpose extends beyond connecting people to places; it’s also about bringing people together and giving them opportunities to navigate the world on their own terms,” said Marie Manning, Vice President, Business Development & Chief Commercial Officer, HIAA. “Through our sponsorship of Autism Nova Scotia, we’re helping to create a more inclusive travel experience and proving that thoughtful support can change lives.”

Autism Nova Scotia is a leading organization supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Through a wide range of programs, resources, and community initiatives, they provide practical tools, guidance, and experiences that help participants engage confidently in everyday life, education, and recreation.

Through the partnership, HIAA will continue supporting the Autism Aviators program created in collaboration with Autism Nova Scotia, which helps Autistic travellers and their families familiarize themselves with the airport before flying. The new agreement also supports the annual Ben James Autism Summer Camp and creates opportunities for airport workers to learn from Autism Nova Scotia about making travel more accessible.

“Autism Nova Scotia is proud to partner with HIAA,” said Lynn Stewart-Yuill, Manager of Community Events and Giving, Autism Nova Scotia. “Their commitment demonstrates the power of community leadership in creating inclusive and accessible spaces for Autistic individuals and their families. This investment not only strengthens our programs and services across the province but also highlights the impact that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of inclusion.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, HIAA offers a number of other programs and services designed to make travel at Halifax Stanfield more inclusive, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, the Aira app, Hearing Loops, service animal pet relief areas, and more. Halifax Stanfield has also held the Gold Accessibility Rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation since 2020 and was the first facility in Nova Scotia to receive a Gold rating.

HIAA’s support for Autism Nova Scotia is channelled through its Uplifted program, which invests in community organizations through funding, partnerships, and employee giving that align with the airport’s values and strategic priorities. Requests for donations, community sponsorships, in-kind gifts, and volunteer opportunities are accepted three times annually during dedicated intake periods. The next intake period will open on September 15, 2025.

Learn more about accessibility at Halifax Stanfield and about the Uplifted program.

August 21, 2025

Lost at the airport? There’s a bot for that. Today, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), in partnership with Halifax-based start-up Maritime Robotics, launched two custom-built passenger experience robots at Halifax Stanfield. The project is part of HIAA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Stanfield experience by leveraging technology that improves wayfinding and helps support a seamless journey for travellers and airport visitors.

“We are pleased to partner with a local start-up to test robotic technology at our airport,” said Tiffany Chase, Director of Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience at HIAA. “This collaboration marks an exciting step toward enhancing wayfinding and elevating the passenger experience. By embracing technology solutions like these, we are prioritizing airport efficiency and innovation, with a touch of fun in the terminal. Think WALL·E with a map — and they’re pretty adorable, too.”

The custom-built robots, which are being pilot-tested at the airport over the next several months, are equipped with voice recognition and touch screen interfaces. Users can access information on flights, weather, airport amenities, and more. When requested, the robots will physically guide users to select locations within a programmed perimeter. For destinations outside of that range, a static wayfinding map is available.

“Bringing this kind of innovation to our local airport is especially meaningful,” said Huijing He, Director, Maritime Robotics. “It’s not just about introducing new technology — it’s about enhancing the travel experience for our community and taking a significant step toward the future of travel, powered by the people who make it possible.”

Both robots are positioned pre-security in the Centre Court and Arrivals areas of the terminal building, complementing traveller resources already provided by airport employees and volunteers. The robots offer an additional layer of support for people navigating the terminal, particularly during peak times when in-person assistance may be limited.

Travellers and visitors are encouraged to try out the robots the next time they visit the airport, and experience firsthand what they have to offer.

About Halifax Stanfield
Halifax Stanfield is Atlantic Canada’s principal full-service airport, providing passengers and cargo clients with direct access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean Basin, Europe, and Asia. Halifax Stanfield offers Canada Customs services on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis and is the only airport in Atlantic Canada with U.S. preclearance and international-to-domestic processing facilities. The airport is a significant economic generator, contributing $4.2 billion annually to the provincial economy. In 2024, Halifax Stanfield served 4 million passengers and processed 26,000 metric tonnes of cargo. A recognized innovator in the global airport industry, Halifax Stanfield was the first airport in North America to offer a self-service baggage drop system for all passengers and is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world.

About Maritime Robotics
Maritime Robotics is a robotics service provider, established 2018, specializing in robotic software solutions for Retail, Medical, Expo & Conferences, and more. They invest in on-going R&D with Canada’s top research institution, Dalhousie University in areas of computer vision, 3D imaging and positioning, depth sensors, and other exciting advances in robotics.

July 3, 2025

A new era of transatlantic travel begins today at Halifax Stanfield with the launch of Edelweiss Air’s non-stop service to Zurich, Switzerland. Both the airline and the destination are exciting firsts for Halifax Stanfield, marking the airport’s newest international airline partner and the debut of Zurich as a destination on the airport’s route map.

“We’re thrilled to officially launch Edelweiss’ non-stop service between Halifax and Zurich,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “Today is the start of an exciting connection between our regions, providing more travel options for Atlantic Canadians and making it easier than ever for European travellers to experience Nova Scotia. We’re proud to partner with Edelweiss and look forward to the many benefits this connection will bring to our communities and travellers.”

Halifax is one of just three Canadian cities with Edelweiss service. The twice-weekly route will be operated on Airbus A340-300 aircraft, seating 314 passengers in business, economy max, and economy classes, with a flight time of approximately seven hours.

“This route ideally complements our popular flights to Calgary and Vancouver in western Canada,” explained Patrick Heymann, Chief Commercial Officer of Edelweiss. “With this non-stop flight, we are bringing Switzerland and Europe even closer to Canada’s beautiful and breathtaking nature. At the same time, travellers from Atlantic Canada can now discover Switzerland more easily or take advantage of the excellent hub in Zurich to connect to almost anywhere in Europe and beyond.”

Edelweiss, a Swiss leisure airline and sister company to Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), is a welcome new partner at Halifax Stanfield. Operating out of Zurich Airport, Edelweiss connects Switzerland to premier holiday destinations worldwide. The airline is part of the Lufthansa Group and known for its commitment to quality and comfort, reflected in both its operations and its namesake, the iconic Edelweiss flower of the Swiss Alps.

Through Edelweiss’ affiliation with SWISS and the wider Lufthansa Group, passengers benefit from access to an extensive global network and seamless connections via code-sharing agreements with Star Alliance partners, including Air Canada. Passengers travelling to Zurich can easily connect to any one of the Group’s network carriers – Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, and Brussels Airlines – giving passengers access to the world. This strengthens Zurich’s role as a premier hub for travel throughout Europe and beyond.

“Routes like Edelweiss’ new one between Zurich and Halifax are an important way of growing tourism and opening our economy to new markets,” said Ministerial Assistant John A. MacDonald on behalf of Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development, Province of Nova Scotia. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our incredible province, building connections between Switzerland and Nova Scotia and creating new opportunities for Nova Scotia businesses.”

“This is a big moment for Halifax! Edelweiss’ new direct flight to Zurich opens up exciting new possibilities for tourism, business, and global connection,” said Andy Fillmore, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality. “It means more visitors discovering our vibrant city and more opportunities for our residents and local businesses to reach new markets. We’re thrilled to welcome Edelweiss to Halifax and can’t wait to see where this new connection takes us.”

Edelweiss flights from Halifax will be operated in cooperation with SWISS and are available for booking through swiss.com, lufthansa.com, or any travel agency. For more information on Edelweiss, please visit flyedelweiss.com.

Flight Schedule

June 23, 2025

With school out and suitcases packed, Halifax Stanfield is ready to welcome an influx of travellers and is equipping them with tips to ensure a seamless journey. It has also added new services designed to improve the passenger experience, including the completion of a project to expand the Domestic/International security screening area, in collaboration with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

“As we enter the peak summer season, we are pleased to work closely with our partners at CATSA to introduce an expanded security screening facility, including an additional line that will host one of CATSA’s new CT X-ray systems,” said Dean Bouchard, Vice President, Airport Planning & Development, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “The ongoing implementation of this new technology at all five lines supports our ongoing commitment and investment in innovation, efficiency, and enhancing the passenger experience.”

The new CT technology is now operational at a new line installed at Domestic/International security screening, increasing the total number of lines from four to five. Additionally, this marks the beginning of a phased implementation of CT technology across all the Domestic/International screening lines at Halifax Stanfield.

The new technology enables passengers to leave permitted liquids (100 mL or less), aerosols, gels, medical devices, and large electronics such as laptops inside their carry-on bags to help expedite the screening process.

“CATSA is well prepared to welcome millions of passengers through its security screening checkpoints this summer. Our teams are focused on delivering the most secure aviation security screening service and the best passenger experience. We are proud of our partnership with Halifax Stanfield International Airport as we work together to bring CT X-ray to all screening lines. We wish everyone safe travels this summer,” said Neil Parry, Acting President and CEO, CATSA.

Given the increased efficiency that will accompany these technology upgrades, YHZ Express, HIAA’s reservation-based service for security screening, will be discontinued effective June 30, 2025.

Top Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

With the peak summer travel season underway, HIAA encourages travellers to take advantage of various tools and services to simplify their airport experience:

• Use the Standby Lot: This free waiting area is ideal for drivers coming to the airport to pick up arriving passengers. Drivers can wait in the Standby Lot until their passengers have collected their bags and are ready to be picked up at the terminal, reducing congestion on the Arrivals curb.
• Try Air Canada’s Digital ID: Air Canada passengers on select flights can now use facial recognition technology to streamline the boarding process. Visit Air Canada’s website or download the Air Canada app to learn more.
• Prepare for Security: Packing smart can help reduce delays at security screening. Follow CATSA’s travel tips and visit catsa.gc.ca for a list of permitted and prohibited items.
• Review Parking Options: Planning your parking prior to leaving for the airport will ease your mind upon arrival.  Learn about available parking options in advance to help secure your preferred spot.
• Arrive Early: It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure. Give yourself extra time to enjoy the airport’s dining and shopping options, with a focus on local products and flavours.
• Use CBSA’s Advance Declaration and U.S. CBP’s Mobile Passport Control: If you’re arriving internationally, submit your advance declaration via the Canada Border Services Agency ArriveCAN app before landing to save time. If you are departing for the U.S. from Halifax Stanfield’s preclearance facility, leverage the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control app to simplify entry into the U.S.

For more information on airport updates and travel tips, visit: https://halifaxstanfield.ca/summertravel 

About Halifax Stanfield

Halifax Stanfield is Atlantic Canada’s principal full-service airport, providing passengers and cargo
clients with direct access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean Basin,
Europe, and Asia. Halifax Stanfield offers Canada Customs services on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week
basis and is the only airport in Atlantic Canada with U.S. preclearance and International to Domestic
processing facilities. The airport is a significant economic generator, contributing $4.2 billion annually
to the provincial economy. In 2024, Halifax Stanfield served 4 million passengers and processed 26,000
metric tonnes of cargo. A recognized innovator in the global airport industry, Halifax Stanfield was the
first airport in North America to offer a self-service baggage drop system for all passengers and is
consistently ranked among the best airports in the world.