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Category: Halifax YHZ

  • Halifax Stanfield’s 2022 Economic Impact Supports a Strong, Growing Nova Scotia


    October 18, 2023

    Bigger and busier than your average small town in Nova Scotia, Halifax Stanfield is home to nearly 4,300 full-time equivalent employees working at 100 different organizations that support a variety of tourism, trade, investment, and immigration activities.

    Employment is just one area where Halifax Stanfield contributes to the provincial economy. Halifax International Airport Authority’s (HIAA) 2022 Economic Impact Study recently completed by Canmac Economics Ltd. underscores that Halifax Stanfield is a significant economic engine that accelerates the growth of Nova Scotia’s economy.

    Halifax Stanfield consistently punches well above its weight in the air transportation industry. It is the 8th busiest airport in Canada, with airport operations and supporting activities generating an impressive $3.4 billion to the provincial economy in 2022.

    “Knowing that the airport plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and connecting the province and city to the global economy is a matter of great pride,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “Halifax Stanfield serves as an important hub in Atlantic Canada, and gateway to Canada from Europe and the U.S. Northeast. We appreciate our many partners and service providers who choose to operate here in Halifax and who work together to deliver an elevated and comfortable experience for our travellers, business people and visitors.”

    Direct and spin-off airport activities created nearly 19,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the province in 2022, contributing $997 million to Nova Scotia’s total labour income. These results showcase the airport’s resurgence and readiness for new growth opportunities despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

    In 2022, air visitors to Nova Scotia spent 67 per cent more and stayed 53 per cent longer than road visitors, on average. Tourists who visited by air through Halifax Stanfield generated $705 million for the Nova Scotia economy, demonstrating the value of air service connections into the province in supporting the tourism industry and its operators.

    Cargo operations also contributed to the airport’s overall economic impact. In 2022, cargo export values reached $655 million, with seafood – primarily live lobster – accounting for more than half of the total exports. Cargo processed at Halifax Stanfield in 2022 totalled 37,000 metric tonnes, the second highest volume on record.

    The airport’s success is a testament to the incredible partners who choose to do business here and contribute to the prosperity of Nova Scotia.

    “Top-tier air freight logistics like those supplied by Halifax Stanfield are critical to the delivery of live lobster to national and international markets,” explained Stewart Lemont, Managing Director of Tangier Lobster Company Limited. “We have a strong commitment to sourcing locally whenever possible, which is why we choose to air freight 92% of our Tangier Lobster shipments from Halifax Stanfield. They are a key partner in the Atlantic Canadian seafood industry and offer temperature-controlled handling, specialized flight options for seafood transport, and a cutting-edge airport infrastructure that supports our mission to consistently deliver the highest quality to our valued clients.”

    Airport infrastructure investments made by HIAA and its partners in 2022 generated an economic benefit totalling $45 million, with investments focused on the expansion of air cargo handling facilities and aircraft parking; terminal building accessibility enhancements; beginning construction of a new taxiway at the end of Runway 14; and airfield restoration and construction activities.

    “We take immense pride in our role and will continue to work with our partners to accelerate the growth of our communities by connecting people and goods to the world,” said Joyce Carter.

    2022 By the Numbers:

    • $3.4 billion in annual economic contributions
    • 3.1 million passengers or an average of 8,500 passengers daily
    • 39 domestic, transborder (U.S.), and international passenger destinations served
    • 16 passenger and 11 cargo airline partners

  • Security Screening Enhancements Land at Halifax Stanfield

    24 August 2023 – Halifax, NS – Travellers at Halifax Stanfield can now benefit from two new security screening lanes, YHZ Express powered by CLEAR, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s (CATSA) Verified Traveller program, both of which will improve the overall travel journey.

    YHZ Express

    YHZ Express and the RESERVE program allows departing travellers from the domestic/international terminal to reserve a dedicated time slot for security screening as early as 48 hours before their flight, mitigating wait times and adding convenience to the airport experience.

    “Summer is one of the busiest times of year for air travel in Canada, including at Halifax Stanfield, and all airport partners are working hard to make the travel journey as smooth as possible,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “We’re thrilled to offer this new service for our travellers who want to plan and maximize their time at the airport prior to their flight.”

    Reservations are now available for YHZ Express for travel scheduled as early as Friday, August 25. To make a reservation with YHZ Express visit https://yhz.whyline.com/ Travellers must enter their flight details and the number of people in their group to view available times.

    Once they arrive at the airport, travellers can proceed to the YHZ Express checkpoint at security screening, where they will access the designated lane for YHZ Express using their assigned QR code.

    “This expansion of RESERVE is a reflection of the demand we have seen across Canada for a more predictable and seamless travel experience,” said Kasra Moshkani, CLEAR’s EVP of Operations.

    This new program is free to use, and reservations and walk-up appointments are available daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at security screening. Halifax Stanfield partnered with CLEAR and Copenhagen Optimization and now joins 18 other airport locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe that offer the appointment-based system.

    “YHZ Express and the RESERVE program is unique in the sense that it brings real benefits to the airport security experience for everyone,” said Kasper Hounsgaard, Co-CEO and founder of Copenhagen Optimization.

    To learn more about YHZ Express and to book a spot, visit https://halifaxstanfield.ca/yhz-express/

    Verified Traveller

    Adding to the security screening services offered at Halifax Stanfield, this week also marked the launch of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s (CATSA) Verified Traveller program, which provides travellers who have undergone extensive background checks with added benefits at select security screening checkpoints across Canada. The program is being pilot tested by CATSA at Halifax Stanfield.

    Those who qualify as Verified Travellers include cardholders or members of the following groups:

    • Nexus
    • Global Entry
    • Military
    • Air crew / Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) holders
    • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) / Police

    The Verified Traveller program comes with multiple benefits including a designated queue and screening line during peak hours, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and front- of-the-line service at all other times. Verified travellers are also permitted to leave items in their carry-on and on their person. For more information on the Verified Traveller program and hours of operation, visit https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/verified-travellers.

    “CATSA is pleased to be trailing a dedicated Verified Traveller screening line at Halifax Stanfield Airport,” said Nancy Gagné, CATSA’s Director, Service Delivery East. “We are always looking for ways to improve the passenger experience at security screening checkpoints.”

    For more information on security screening at Halifax Stanfield and the various programs available, visit https://halifaxstanfield.ca/travel-planning/security-screening/.

    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 $2.2 billion annually to the provincial economy. In 2022, Halifax Stanfield served 3.1 million passengers and processed nearly 37,000 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.

  • PAL Airlines Completes Inaugural Flight Under New Commercial Agreement with Air Canada

    On July 1, 2023, PAL Airlines completed its initial Air Canada Express flight under a newly completed commercial agreement between the two carriers, operating from St. John’s International Airport to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

    ST. JOHN’S, NL, July 5, 2023 /CNW/ – On Saturday, July 1, 2023, PAL Airlines and Air Canada jointly completed the inaugural PAL Airlines operation of an Air Canada Express flight. Operated between St. John’s International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport, this inaugural section was the first flight operated under a newly completed commercial agreement achieved between the two carriers to fortify regional service in eastern Canada.  

    The commercial agreement will see PAL Airlines acquire up to six additional Dash 8-400 aircraft to be progressively introduced into service on behalf of Air Canada for a term of up to five years. This is the most recent in a series of agreements achieved between the two carriers which have built connectivity and enhanced regional travel options in eastern Canada through the addition of PAL Airlines as an Aeroplan partner, the achievement of an interline agreement that allows for seamless customer connections between the two networks, and the sale of certain PAL Airlines flights on aircanada.com.

    “We’re tremendously excited to be working together with Air Canada to collaboratively develop and strengthen regional travel options across eastern Canada,” said Calvin Ash, President of PAL Airlines. “This most recent agreement preserves the existing PAL Airlines commercial network, substantially expands our airline operation, and supports our long-held strategy of building our business by staying attuned to the markets we serve. The inaugural flight that took place this weekend marks the start of an exciting new chapter for PAL Airlines, and a substantial step forward in our commercial relationship with Air Canada.”

    “PAL Airlines has a reputation as a strong operator and this agreement will allow us to provide added stability to our already extensive regional operations in eastern Canada. Our partnership will be beneficial for local communities as air connections support economic activity and tourism while keeping families and friends connected,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada. 

    About PAL Airlines:

    A proud member of the Exchange Income Corporation family of airlines, PAL Airlines is based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and serves an extensive network of scheduled and charter destinations across Eastern Canada and Quebec. PAL Airlines has over 40 years experience in the aviation industry with a reputation built on safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service.

    For more information, please visit: www.palairlines.ca

  • Minister of Transport announces pilot for dedicated Verified Traveller lines coming soon to Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport

    OTTAWA, ON, June 27, 2023 /CNW/ – The air sector plays a crucial role in connecting Canadians across the country and to the world, and helps create good, middle-class jobs to build an economy that works for everyone. The Government of Canada is continuously working to improve the security screening process to ensure travellers are able to have a quick and efficient travel journey, while ensuring the highest standards of security to keep Canadians safe.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon be launching a pilot for dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines at Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport by August 23, 2023.

    This new pilot will test the feasibility of having dedicated lines open on a daily basis at these airports by opening them during peak periods, while maintaining overall service standards for these checkpoints. This will inform our next steps and help provide a quicker travel journey for passengers moving through the Ottawa and Halifax airports. Outside of these peak periods, a front-of-the-line service would be offered to eligible verified travellers.

    Since June 21, 2023, the Verified Traveller program, which has replaced the Trusted Traveller program, has had dedicated lines open to improve the screening experience at the following airports:

    • Vancouver International Airport
    • Edmonton International Airport
    • Calgary International Airport
    • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
    • Toronto Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
    • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

    The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on. Eligible travellers include:

    • Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
    • Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
    • Canadian aircrew (in uniform) and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
    • International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
    • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

    The Verified Traveller program also now allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.

    Quote

    “I am pleased to announce that the airports in Ottawa and Halifax will soon be joining the other six Canadian airports with dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines, on a pilot basis. As we enter the busy summer travel season, we are working hard to ensure a smooth security screening process for travellers. This new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time and builds on our $1.8 billion investment for CATSA in Budget 2023 to create a safe and smooth passenger experience for all Canadian travellers.”

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra  
    Minister of Transport

    “CATSA is always seeking ways to improve the air traveller experience. The Verified Traveller program is one way we can do this and we are excited to pilot the program in Ottawa and Halifax as we look to expand this experience for more travellers in more locations.”

    Nada Semaan
    President and CEO
    Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

    Associated Links

    Verified Travellers – CATSA (catsa-acsta.gc.ca)
    NEXUS Program (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

    Quick Facts

    • Budget 2023 is providing $1.8 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to maintain and increase its level of service, improve screening wait times, and strengthen security measures at airports.
    • Budget 2023 funding seeks to improve CATSA’s wait-time-service-levels, particularly at peak periods, without compromising aviation security.
    • Funding will also be used to enhance the security of Canada’s non-passenger screening program and to support CATSA’s ability to meet increased demand as passenger volumes grow.
    • To learn more about NEXUS membership, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.
    • Several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at transborder checkpoints (flights to the U.S.). For more information and a list of airports, visit CATSA’s website.

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo Inaugurate Freighter Service Into Halifax

    • High frequency, direct freighter capacity from Nova Scotia to Air Canada Cargo’s global network

    MONTREAL, April 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo today operated the first dedicated freighter flight into Halifax Stanfield International Airport using the second Boeing 767-300ER to enter service. The addition of this aircraft will allow Air Canada Cargo to start high frequency, direct freighter capacity from Halifax to Air Canada Cargo’s global network, including service to Frankfurt, Cologne, Istanbul, and Madrid, starting in May.

    Air Canada's Boeing 767-300ER freighter receives a water cannon salute on its first arrival into Halifax on April 20, 2022 (CNW Group/Air Canada)
    Air Canada’s Boeing 767-300ER freighter receives a water cannon salute on its first arrival into Halifax on April 20, 2022 (CNW Group/Air Canada)

    Today’s flight from Toronto arrived in Halifax with freight coming from around Air Canada’s global network and destined for Atlantic Canada. It will be loaded up with fresh lobster, fish, aerospace parts, and pharmaceuticals for its journey back to Toronto, from where those goods will be shipped to their final destinations around the globe.

    “We have always enjoyed a long-standing and strong bond with Atlantic Canada and the Nova Scotia community, and we are thrilled to introduce direct freighter capacity to the market. Atlantic Canada’s economy has experienced important growth in the last few years, with increased demand from North America, Europe, and beyond. Nova Scotia is a key element of our growth strategy and Halifax being one of our first Canadian markets with the freighters further emphasizes the importance we place on our partnerships in the community. We are pleased to increase our support to the robust and growing trade sector in the region,” said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo at Air Canada.

    “Having stronger air links opens the door for more trade and investment in our province. It means we can build on the already strong relationship with our trading partners and create new ones,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This is an important step forward for many of our businesses who will benefit from this exciting growth of Air Canada’s freighter network.”

    “This exciting Air Canada Cargo expansion will increase capacity at Halifax Stanfield, providing Nova Scotia businesses and industries with more opportunities to ship their products efficiently by air,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “We are thrilled with Air Canada’s continued investment in Halifax and look forward to their future growth to meet the needs of communities across the region.”

    The new service to Halifax complements Air Canada Cargo’s regular freighter service to Latin American cities.

    Atlantic Canada Schedule from Toronto

    • To Halifax: Five flights per week starting today

    European Schedule from Toronto Starting in May

    • To Frankfurt: Two flights per week
    • To Cologne: One flight per week
    • To Istanbul: One flight per week
    • To Madrid: Three flights per week

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from the independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which in 2021 also named Air Canada as having the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, as well as an Excellence award for its handling of COVID-19. Also in 2021, Air Canada was named Global Traveler’s Best Airline in North America for the third straight year. In January 2021, Air Canada received APEX’s Diamond Status Certification for the Air Canada CleanCare+ biosafety program for managing COVID-19, the only airline in Canada to attain the highest APEX ranking. Air Canada has also committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

    About Air Canada Cargo

    Air Canada Cargo is an award-winning provider of air cargo services. It is Canada’s largest air cargo provider as measured by cargo capacity, with a presence in over 50 countries and self-handled hubs in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, London, and Frankfurt. As the dedicated air freight division of Air Canada, Air Canada Cargo offers reliable air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s domestic and international passenger flights, cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300ER freighter aircraft, and trucking services. For more information, please visit: aircanadacargo.com 

  • Flair Airlines Revolutionizes Air Travel in Quebec, Starting Service as the Only Ultra Low-Cost Carrier in the Province

    EDMONTON, Alberta, July 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), continues its growth with the addition of service to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL) in Quebec starting today. The ULCC is adding ultra-affordable, non-stop flights between Montreal and 4 Canadian cities: Vancouver, Abbotsford, Halifax and Toronto.

    “The citizens of Quebec have been denied access to affordable air travel and Flair is here to change that,” says Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer. “Travel is a necessity, not a luxury. Getting across Canada shouldn’t force a family or an individual into debt while massive corporations sit back and benefit from a monopolized market. Flair is a different kind of airline. We are here to disrupt the status quo and put the power back into the consumer’s hands. Our low fares make travel accessible and affordable for everyone.”

    Montreal is among several new destinations Flair is adding to its network as the airline grows to serve 20 Canadian cities. Fares are available for less than $50 one-way. With an ambitious goal to grow to 50 aircraft in 5 years, Flair is rapidly expanding as it brings ULCC service to Canadians.

    About Flair Airlines

    Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 20 cities across Canada. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com

  • Fewer flights could lead to higher airfares and a delayed economic recovery

    From Halifax Today – link to story

    15 October 2020 | By: Meghan Groff

    Premier Stephen McNeil wants to see a national strategy for Canada’s air transportation industry a day ago

    032320 - airplane - flight - AdobeStock_162309703(stock photo|)

    Fewer WestJet flights will likely lead to more connections, far fewer options and higher airfares, according to an airport spokesperson.

    Yesterday, WestJet announced a significant reduction in the number of flights to both Halifax and St. John’s, along with the indefinite suspension of all routes heading to Moncton, Fredericton, Sydney and Charlottetown.

    In total, more than 100 flights a week to Atlantic Canada will be eliminated as of Nov. 2.

    WestJet will still have 14 weekly flights between Halifax and Toronto, 11 weekly flights between Halifax and St. John’s and 9 weekly flights between Halifax and Calgary.

    However, the airline won’t be providing service between Stanfield International and Sydney or Ottawa.

    “That’s certainly reducing choice and options that are available to our community members,” said Halifax International Airport Authority spokesperson Tiffany Chase. “We’ve already seen a significant amount of capacity for air travel cut from our airport.”

    Chase said it only has around 10 per cent of the passengers it had this time last year.

    “It’s taken years for us to build important connections, not only to domestic destinations, but also those in the U.S. and European markets,” she added. “Unfortunately all of that has unraveled in a matter of months.”

    “We know it will be very difficult, it could take years to get some of those services back, if ever.”

    WestJet’s president and CEO, Ed Sims, said the airline would normally serve over 2 million passengers a month, however since the start of the pandemic, it has only flown 1 million people total.

    In a statement posted to YouTube, he said more than 70 per cent of its fleet remains grounded.

    On Tuesday, Porter Airlines — which grounded flights back on March 21 — once again pushed back its temporary service suspension to Dec. 15. 

    Chase said Halifax’s airport essentially operates on a user-pay system and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to address the revenue gap that has been caused by COVID-19.

    Earlier this year, around 25 per cent of airport staff were laid off and only under one-third of businesses that were operating in the facility remain open.

    “Many businesses have had to close, have had to lay off employees,” said Chase. 

    “A number of the airlines have also announced cuts to jobs, in fact across Canada in the aviation sector, we’re currently looking at about a 50 per cent job loss, and that’s a pretty staggering statistic.”

    Atlantic Canadian premiers say urgent action from the federal government is needed to address cuts in air service.

    “This is a big blow to the region,” said Nova Scotia’s Premier Stephen McNeil. “We know that Air Canada also made the decision early on to make changes. WestJet is making those changes.

    “This in many ways is how we move around this region, and at the same time, it’s how we go out into the world.”

    He said a vibrant air service will be vital to our province’s recovery following the pandemic, as it’s essential for export opportunities, business travel and our tourism sector.

    “We’ve all lived through those days when for the cost of a flight from Halifax to Sydney, Nova Scotia, we could travel halfway around the world on a cheaper air ticket,” he said at a Wednesday briefing. “We saw changes when we had that competitive environment.”

    McNeil wants to see a national strategy for Canada’s air transportation industry.

    “This is a national issue and it’s our view that we need to find a solution to this, because otherwise our climb out of the economic impact of COVID will be much greater than other parts of Canada,” our premier said.

    “We need this service.”

  • Temperature screening to be deployed at Halifax airport

    From CBC News – link to story

    Departures area at Halifax Stanfield has been widened to allow for the new stations

    CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2020

    Signs for physical distancing are shown in the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Starting Sept. 23, the temperature of travellers will be taken before they board a flight. (Blair Sanderson/CBC)

    Travellers flying out of Halifax will soon have their temperature taken before lift off to scan for one of the symptoms of COVID-19.

    Next Wednesday, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is rolling out temperature screening stations in the departure sections of 11 airports, including Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

    All passengers who have a fever (38 C and above), and don’t have a medical certificate to explain a condition that would result in an elevated temperature, will not be allowed to continue their travel and will be asked to rebook after 14 days.

    Leah Batstone, spokesperson for the Halifax International Airport Authority, said they’re happy to have another feature to help ease people’s fears and concerns about air travel.

    A passenger has his temperature checked as a precaution against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Vladivostok, Russia, at the Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, in March. (Jon Chol Jin/The Associated Press)

    “The airport isn’t that busy so keeping physical distance is pretty easy,” Batstone said. “As long as everyone is washing their hands and wearing their mask, we’re confident that people will be able to travel and feel comfortable.”

    Batstone said CATSA has increased the space around the departure area where people approach security to allow for the new screening process.

    Travellers will pause at the station, have their temperature taken in a contactless way, and can continue from there if they are deemed well enough to travel.

    Besides Halifax, the other airports bringing in temperature screening this September are St. John’s, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto – Billy Bishop, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, B.C., and Victoria.

    Leah Batstone is spokesperson for the Halifax International Airport Authority. (Blair Sanderson/CBC)

    The requirement has already been in place in Canada’s four major airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto-Pearson and Montreal since July 30.

    In Vancouver, passengers will also soon be able to get a COVID-19 test before boarding some domestic flights.

    Travel numbers remain low in Halifax

    Batstone said the Halifax airport has been much quieter over the past few months, although business has started to pick up slightly.

    In June, travel was down 97 or 95 per cent compared to last year, in July it was down 90 per cent, and 88 per cent in August.

    Although there’s been an incremental increase, Batstone said they don’t expect to see much more activity than August levels until the Atlantic bubble opens up to the rest of Canada.

    “It’s quite empty inside and it is very different. But, you know, we’re still here for people if they have somewhere to go,” Batstone said.

    With files from Blair Sanderson