Eight per cent increase in passenger traffic outstrips North American industry average

Fredericton’s airport has once again broken passenger traffic records and continues to out-perform the North American industry average, with 377,977 passengers traveling through the capital city’s airport in 2016. This represents an eight per cent (8%) increase in traffic compared to 2015 while the industry average growth for North America was just 3.2 per cent in 2015 (the most recent data available).

“Seven years of growth is phenomenal, and that growth is really reflective of the hard work of both the dedicated team here at FIAA, and the support of our partners in the airport and throughout the community,” says Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) president and CEO, Johanne Gallant.

“Businesses, start-ups, the provincial and City of Fredericton tourism departments, and leisure travellers have all played a major role in the airport’s continued growth, and we appreciate their support.”

The Fredericton International Airport launched a third daily WestJet flight to Toronto in early 2016, along with sun charters to three destinations. The sun charters have since expanded to include five destinations for the 2017 season. Strong loads on Air Canada continued in 2016, with passengers taking advantage of their extensive network of connections via Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax.

This continued growth trend has placed a strain on the airport’s outdated infrastructure, however. For over 10 years now, the terminal has been operating beyond the capacity it was designed to handle. Designs for an expansion and renovation are complete, and the airport authority has one-third of the funding in place. It continues to work with the provincial and federal government to secure matching funds so that the project can move forward.