The Airport made great strides in its recovery in 2022, boosted by a triumphant comeback in passenger travel and steady growth in cargo goods movement activity
Hamilton, ON (April 27, 2023) – John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (Hamilton International) is pleased to share its 2022 Year in Review annual report highlighting numerous operational, infrastructure and community impact achievements from the year. In 2022, Hamilton International welcomed a new airline partner, added new and resumed previous flights to popular destinations, nearly tripled its passenger volume over the prior year, steadily increased cargo activity, resumed its Volunteer Ambassador Program, invested in infrastructure and community initiatives and demonstrated its continued commitment to the City of Hamilton and surrounding region.
Hamilton International continued to move goods and people to and from the region in 2022. Passenger volumes rebounded at Hamilton International as travellers returned to the skies with enthusiasm. By year end, Hamilton International saw 645,789 total passengers travel through the Airport, reflecting a skyrocketing 158% increase year over year and recovery of 68% of pre-pandemic volume. The Airport added Lynx Air to its network of airlines in June 2022, welcomed back seasonal airline partners, Sunwing and Air Transat, and supported existing year-round partners, WestJet and Swoop, as they increased flights across Canada and internationally.
The Airport also remained a critical link in Canada’s supply chain as Canada’s third-largest cargo airport, facilitating 877 million kilograms in total cargo aircraft landed billable weight in 2022. This represented a steady 14% increase compared to the previous year and a notable 65% increase compared to pre-pandemic cargo activity levels. Additionally, the Airport worked to grow business and investments with more than $11 million invested in infrastructure by the Airport and its partners, including $3.2 million in rehabilitating taxiways to enable use of larger wide-body aircraft and support the growth of 24/7 operations at Hamilton International.
Hamilton International continued to facilitate a skilled and adaptable workforce though its participation in cooperative education and experiential learning partnerships and providing funding to students enrolled in aviation education. The Airport also remained committed to creating a sense of place through its activities and investments, contributing over $100,000 of financial and in-kind resources to community partners last year.
The Airport introduced new accessibility initiatives and resources for travellers, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program, providing passengers with invisible disabilities a discreet way to signal that they may require additional support, help or a little extra time while travelling through the Airport. Hamilton International also received two accreditations from Airports Council International, one for the Airport’s commitment to prioritizing health and safety measures and the other for its carbon management processes.
“Hamilton International was excited to regain momentum on passenger travel in the latter half of 2022, see steady growth in cargo activity, and truly begin the path toward post-pandemic recovery,” said Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “We are looking forward to continuing the growth trajectory in 2023 and remain committed to delivering on our vision, increasing our impact in the community and driving economic benefits for the City of Hamilton and broader Ontario region.”
2022 Key Results
About John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a growing international gateway for affordable travel and the largest overnight express freight airport in Canada. The Airport is owned by the City of Hamilton and managed under an agreement by TradePort International Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vantage Airport Group – an industry leading investor, developer and manager of airport assets. This allows Hamilton International to incorporate best-in-class practices from around the world into its operations. As an efficient facilitator of cargo and passenger operations, Hamilton International is an economic engine and responsible community partner. Its strategic location and uncongested 24/7 operations make it an attractive option for both passenger and cargo carriers looking to serve the Southern Ontario market.