Demand for flights at the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) continues to be strong as capacity grows to 92% of pre-pandemic levels this summer with larger aircraft and new routes taking off.

“YFC plays a key role in reconnecting families and friends as well as allowing businesses in our region to thrive,” says Johanne Gallant, President and CEO of the Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA). “It’s wonderful to see so many travellers in our new, modern terminal building and air service continuing to grow in response to the demand.”

Air Canada now serves the Fredericton – Toronto route with its Rouge aircraft, carrying 136 passengers compared to 78 on the Q400 aircraft which served the route pre-pandemic. Montreal is also served by larger aircraft carrying an additional 28 passengers per flight.

Porter Airlines launched a second daily flight in 2022, and travellers can now access Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport in the heart of downtown Toronto twice daily as well as Ottawa once daily.

Lynx Air is the newest addition to the YFC lineup. This ultra low cost carrier provides easy access to Alberta – the flight makes a brief stop in Toronto but those headed to Calgary (and their luggage) remain on the aircraft making for a seamless journey between the two regions.

Sunwing had an excellent 2023 season in Fredericton, with flights to Cayo Santa Maria, Punta Cana, and Cancun in extremely high demand. Flights for 2024 are already bookable at Sunwing.ca.

While the overall capacity has rebounded, flight schedules look different than they did pre-pandemic, and that’s something airports across Canada expect to continue.

“We’ve heard from airlines that they’re looking at their networks with fresh eyes in 2023. There are constraints with pilots and aircraft, so across Canada there’s a shift towards flying larger aircraft with less frequency to serve as much of the demand as efficiently as possible,” explains Gallant.

The FIAA, a not-for-profit corporation that operates and manages the airport, reported a strong financial position at its recent Annual General Meeting and is focused on growing service that aligns with the region’s business and leisure needs.

“Air service is critical for tourism, economic growth, immigration, and quality of life, and that’s why we’re focused on sustainable growth,” says Gallant.

Summer Schedule

Air Canada:

• Twice daily to Toronto’s Pearson Airport. This becomes three times daily beginning August 2, including an early morning departure and late night arrival.
• Twice daily to Montreal.

Porter Airlines:

• Daily to Ottawa and on to Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport in the heart of downtown Toronto.
• Daily direct to Billy Bishop Airport.

Lynx Air:

• Three times weekly to Toronto and on to Calgary. This ultra low cost carrier launched flights at the Fredericton International Airport July 12.

Sunwing:

Sunwing will offer the following destinations at YFC beginning in February 2024:

• Cayo Coco
• Cayo Santa Maria
• Punta Cana
• Cancun

With a brand-new terminal building and a track record as the fastest growing airport in the Maritimes over the past decade, the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is ready to reconnect New Brunswickers with the world. Serving central and Western New Brunswick, including the capital city, Fredericton, YFC offers flights to Canadian hubs and sun destinations and is home to over 20 companies employing more than 300 New Brunswickers.