May 7, 2026

Today, at its 2026 annual public meeting, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) highlighted progressive passenger growth, expanded connectivity, and significant economic impact across the province, as it marked 25 years of managing and growing Halifax Stanfield.

“We marked our milestone year with strong increases in passenger demand and sustained investment in our airport, strengthening the connections that bring people, businesses, and communities closer together,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “Into 2026, that momentum is building, with more destinations, deeper partnerships, and a clear focus on creating a more connected, adaptable, and accessible airport for the future.”

Total revenue increased by 2 per cent, supported by higher passenger volumes and solid performance across all revenue categories, reflecting the continued strength and diversification of HIAA’s business model. Expenses increased year-over-year, primarily driven by inflationary pressures and increased operational demand, including higher costs for materials, services, and personnel. This resulted in net income of $19.4 million, which will be reinvested into airport operations and infrastructure to support forecasted growth and service improvements.

“Our financial performance in 2025 reflects continued growth in passenger traffic and expanded global connectivity,” said Paul Brigley, Vice President, Finance & CFO, HIAA. “It positions us to make strategic investments that support ongoing, sustainable growth, while reinforcing Halifax Stanfield’s role as a preferred gateway for both travellers and airline partners.”

Capital investments increased by 2.8 per cent year-over-year, supporting strategic priorities and essential improvements to ensure safe and efficient operations. A key project was the completion of the International Connections Facility, improving passenger flow, increasing capacity, and allowing international travellers to connect seamlessly to domestic flights without exiting the secure area.

Beyond operational and financial performance, people remain at the heart of Halifax Stanfield. For 25 years, volunteers have helped travellers navigate the airport with warmth, kindness, and local hospitality. In 2025, the program marked this milestone with a modernized uniform and refreshed identity: The Stanfield Wayfinders.

“The success of Halifax Stanfield truly comes down to its people,” said Carter. “Our employees, Board members, volunteers, and partners share a commitment that drives a best-in-class airport experience and lasting impact for travellers, communities, and the economy.”

HIAA also recognizes outgoing Board Chair, John S. Fitzpatrick, K.C., for his leadership over the past three years as Chair and his twelve years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors. At today’s meeting, Fitzpatrick announced the incoming Chair of the Board is Benjamin Nycum, who has served on the HIAA Board of Directors since 2018. His new appointment is effective May 8, 2026.

HIAA’s 2025 Highlights

• 4,140,668 passengers – a 4 per cent increase year-over-year, with growth across all sectors. International traffic saw the most significant increase, rising 19.8 per cent year-over-year.
• 48 non-stop destinations served, with a record amount of international service, including new services to Zurich (Edelweiss, Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona (WestJet).
• Routes World Award – Best Airport in under five million passenger category.
• 27,180 metric tonnes of cargo processed.
• Completed new International Connections Facility.
• Terminal and groundside infrastructure improvements, including airfield restoration and improvements to the Park’N Fly lot.
• Technological investments and advancements, including digital wayfinding kiosks, self-serve bag drop upgrades, and the introduction of CATSA’s new CT X-ray screening technology.
• Atlantic Canada Top Employer award.
• Airports Council International Customer Experience Accreditation Level 2.
• 28 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2019.

Limitless, HIAA’s 2025 Annual & Sustainability Report, which includes complete details on its accomplishments and performance, is available at https://halifaxstanfield.ca/airport-authority/who-we-are/annual-reports/.

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 billion annually to the provincial economy.
In 2025, Halifax Stanfield served 4.1 million passengers and processed 27,180 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.

February 3, 2026

With a record number of international destinations on its route map, making it the most internationally connected airport of its size in North America, Halifax Stanfield International Airport (Halifax Stanfield) saw strong growth in international passenger traffic in 2025. The airport experienced a 19.3 per cent rise in international travellers and served a total of 4,140,484 passengers across all sectors, marking a 4 per cent increase over 2024.

“Our strong results from 2025 highlight Halifax Stanfield’s growing role as a Canadian gateway, not only for Atlantic Canadians but also for global travellers,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “The strength of our international network, including a wide variety of non-stop flights between Halifax and Europe, the U.S., and Caribbean Basin, offers more choice for residents, visitors, and business travellers than ever before.”

Bucking the national trend, U.S. (transborder) passenger volumes also grew in 2025, with 8.5 per cent more travellers flying to and from U.S. destinations compared to 2024. Domestic travel continued to be the airport’s largest sector, with year-over-year growth of 1.5 per cent.

Looking ahead to 2026, Halifax Stanfield is preparing for continued growth with an even broader roster of services. Halifax Stanfield’s route map will feature 57 non-stop year-round and seasonal services, including a record 15 non-stop European services and robust connectivity across North America and the Caribbean Basin. This range of offerings highlights strategic partnerships with carriers and the airport’s status as a key destination and connecting hub.

Key service highlights for 2026 include:

• Air Canada, the airport’s largest and longest-serving airline, will continue its current domestic and U.S. routes, including its flagship year-round Halifax – London Heathrow service. The airline began its new winter seasonal service to Nassau, flying once weekly, in December 2025. It’s also launching a new summer seasonal international route between Halifax and Brussels, operating three times weekly starting in June.
• WestJet will expand its growing international network in Halifax by introducing new summer seasonal routes to Madrid, Copenhagen, and Lisbon, in addition to Dublin, Paris, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, which operated in 2025. WestJet’s expanded network also features a new summer flight to Detroit, providing greater connectivity with its partner airline, Delta.
• Porter Airlines will continue connecting Atlantic Canadians to key domestic and transborder destinations, building on the introduction of U.S. service from Halifax in 2025 and ongoing growth in its E195-E2 fleet.
• Flair Airlines maintains its service to Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.
• Discover Airlines will operate up to six times weekly between Halifax and Frankfurt from March until the end of October, providing excellent connectivity into Germany and beyond on the Discover and Lufthansa networks.
• Edelweiss, a Star Alliance partner, returns for its second summer season with its popular Halifax – Zurich service that offers connections beyond on Swiss’ global network. The airline is planning to use its new and larger A350 aircraft, the largest passenger aircraft to serve Halifax Stanfield.
• Icelandair resumes its Reykjavik route twice weekly from June to mid-October, providing easy access to Iceland and one-stop connections beyond through its extensive network.
• United Airlines will start a new summer seasonal service between Halifax and Washington Dulles (IAD), operating once weekly, and extend its frequency on Halifax – Chicago O’Hare up to once daily, while maintaining up to twice daily to Newark.
• Delta Air Lines will begin a new summer seasonal service between Halifax and Boston, operating weekly from June until October, in addition to its existing New York (LaGuardia) summer service.
• American Airlines will continue U.S. services they operated in 2025.

Halifax Stanfield has been known to punch above its weight and is redefining what a mid-size airport can offer in terms of connectivity, service and experience. In 2025, HIAA received a Routes World award, acknowledging its strong air service development and marketing efforts that support airline growth. HIAA was also named the 2026 Business of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

“More international visitors are choosing Nova Scotia, and the growth at Halifax Stanfield shows just how important strong air access is to our economy,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “International connections make it easier for travellers to get here, support local businesses and extend the benefits of tourism throughout the province. As routes expand and visitor numbers rise, we’re well-positioned to welcome more people from around the world and showcase everything Nova Scotia has to offer.”

In 2025, the airport opened a new International Connections Facility that streamlines passenger processing for those connecting in Halifax from select international to domestic flights, improving airline on-time performance and eliminating the need for passengers to collect their bags and go back through security screening. Those passengers with Halifax as their final destination will be warmly welcomed with stunning new Mi’kmaq artwork in the redesigned International Arrivals area, enabling travellers from around the world and at home to know they have arrived in Mi’kmak’i.

“These achievements reflect the dedication of our entire team, the strength of our partnerships, and the growing confidence airlines have in Halifax as an important Canadian gateway,” said Carter. “With more destinations than ever before and exciting new routes on the horizon, Halifax Stanfield is entering 2026 with strong momentum. We’re proud to continue building meaningful connections between Atlantic Canada and the world.”

Passenger Statistic Summary – Breakdown by Sector

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 $4.1 billion annually to the provincial economy. In 2025, Halifax Stanfield served more than 4.1 million passengers. In 2024, the airport processed 26,200 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.

January 23, 2026

In recognition of Halifax International Airport Authority’s (HIAA) leadership, innovation, and people-first approach, the organization was named Business of the Year at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Business Awards.

“This award belongs to our employees who work tirelessly every day to deliver operational excellence and the warm, welcoming experience that sets our airport apart,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “It reflects what’s possible when dedicated people come together with a shared focus on long-term growth, global connectivity, and serving our community with purpose.”

With 57 non-stop flights operating in 2026, Halifax Stanfield’s expanding air service network continues to play a vital role in supporting tourism, enabling global trade, attracting investment, and helping local businesses compete on the world stage.

The airport’s impact extends well beyond air service. Halifax Stanfield contributes more than $4 billion annually to Nova Scotia’s economy, supports thousands of jobs, and facilitates trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Through HIAA’s non-share capital corporation model, airport revenues are reinvested directly into infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability, and services that enhance the traveller experience. This commitment has been recognized through distinctions such as being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers in 2025, as well as obtaining a Routes World Award for air service and marketing, and achieving Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification at the Gold level.

“Together with our many partners, we are building a future-focused airport designed to support global trade, seamlessly connect people and communities, and create growth opportunities across the Atlantic Region,” said Carter “This recognition from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce is truly the result of our dedicated employees, our strategic investments, and the strong collaboration we share across various industries, government, and our communities.”

With record connectivity, modern infrastructure, and a clear focus on people, HIAA is helping ensure Nova Scotia remains competitive, connected, and ready for what’s next. The Business of the Year recognition reflects the dedication of HIAA’s employees and partners, as well as the airport’s role in creating economic opportunity, strengthening connections, and supporting communities across the province.

HIAA extends its appreciation to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for this meaningful recognition and congratulates the other 2026 business awards finalists, who are all contributing to a more prosperous Halifax and Nova Scotia.

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 $4.1 billion annually to the provincial economy. In 2024, Halifax Stanfield served 4 million passengers and processed 26,200 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.

January 16, 2026

Welcome to Mi’kma’ki: Halifax Stanfield’s Newly Renovated International Arrivals Space Celebrates Indigenous Culture

Today, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) celebrated the grand opening of the completed International Connections Facility (ICF). The milestone marks the final phase of the project, following the opening of the upper-level last year, and introduces a newly renovated International Arrivals space that centres on Mi’kmaq art and culture.

“The construction of the new ICF enabled us to reimagine the international arrivals experience,” says Dean Bouchard, Vice President, Airport Planning and Development at HIAA. “As a key opportunity to demonstrate the culture and heritage of Nova Scotia to travellers arriving here, we knew it was important to create a strong sense of place that pays tribute to the very first peoples of these lands.”

Rooted in collaboration and respect, the redesigned space was shaped by in-depth Mi’kmaq community consultations. The result is an authentic arrival experience brought to life through the work of local, Mi’kmaq artists, whose creations welcome travellers with meaningful expressions of culture and identity.

Stephen Francis, a woodworking artist and math specialist from Eskasoni, designed the eight-pointed star showcased in the 26-foot flooring centrepiece. Traditionally, this symbol represents the sun, as well as the districts of Mi’kma’ki. The diamonds in Francis’ creations also honour the many people who have influenced the person he is today, across generations dating back to the 1840s.

A living wall of live plants, along with vibrantly coloured artwork by established Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy from Millbrook, adorns six pillars within the redesigned space. Additionally, 14 drums from his Daily Drum collection are featured along the upper walls. Alan’s work is inspired by ancient petroglyphs that explore themes of family, unity, spirituality, connection, and strength.

These design features are part of the broader infrastructure investment made possible through strong partnerships and shared commitment to enhancing Halifax Stanfield.
The ICF project was made possible through the generous support of Transport Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia, which contributed $8.3 million and $3 million, respectively, while HIAA contributed over $6.5 million.

Not only will the facility support increased passenger traffic and cargo capacity, but it will also allow for more efficient international-to-domestic connections, while strengthening Halifax Stanfield’s position as a Canadian gateway.

This significant infrastructure project was delivered in close collaboration with project partners, whose expertise helped translate Halifax Stanfield’s Thematic Plan and community input into a functional, welcoming international arrivals experience.

Halifax Stanfield appreciates the work by all partners and contributors who helped bring this project to life. Together, these investments are strengthening better airport connections and supporting safe, efficient travel for passengers and cargo alike.
Learn more about this key infrastructure project and its benefits here.

Quotes:

“As of January 2026, the International Connections Facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport will serve as a major gateway to Mi’kma’ki. It features prominent Mi’kmaq art installations designed to welcome international travellers and share the culture of the land. As a Mi’kmaw artist, I am honoured to have contributed artwork to this facility.”
— Alan Syliboy, Owner, Red Crane Media, Artist

“I am so honoured that my Mi’kmaq 8-point star was chosen to be displayed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. When people first arrive from locations around the world, they will see my 26-foot star, which represents 48 of my ancestors who have made me who I am today. It will be like my ancestors telling them ‘Welcome to the land of the Mi’kmaq’.”
— Stephen Francis, Artist

“Indigevisor is so proud to have been a facilitator in bringing the communities together and have witnessed the words and stories shared transform into a beautiful space and story.”
— Nadine Bernard, CEO, Indigevisor

“Our government is proud to support projects that strengthen Canada’s supply chains and improve connectivity for travellers and businesses alike. The new International Connections Facility at Halifax Stanfield is a perfect example of how strategic investments can enhance efficiency, sand position Canada as a global gateway. These improvements will help move people and goods faster and more reliably, creating economic opportunities for communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond.”
— The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

“Atlantic Canada is at a real turning point for growth, and projects like this help make that possible. Expanding passenger and cargo capacity at Halifax Stanfield strengthens our links to global markets and creates real opportunities for businesses across the region. It’s the kind of practical infrastructure investment that helps Atlantic Canada keep moving forward.”
— The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for ACOA

“As Halifax continues to establish itself as a leader in the international travel market, the Canada Border Services Agency is prepared to facilitate and expedite travel, while protecting the border and ensuring the safety of our communities. We look forward to collaborating with our partners and welcoming Canadians, and all travellers, in the new International Connections Facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.”
— Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Atlantic Region

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 $4.1 billion annually
to the provincial economy. In 2024, Halifax Stanfield served 4 million passengers and processed 26,200
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.