As airport readies for Phase 1 construction, changes necessary to accommodate work

The Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) will soon begin construction on its much-anticipated terminal expansion project. The new terminal will be bigger, more modern, more convenient, and have more amenities. And it will create a strong impression on first-time visitors to Fredericton, while offering locals a welcoming, comfortable point of departure and arrival.

The construction project is expected to take approximately 24 months, and preparations have already begun. For the public’s safety and security, there will be changes to the location of parking, departures, and other airport amenities such as car rental desks.

The FIAA is doing all it can to minimize disruption during construction.

“Our goal is to maintain smooth operations for our passengers and visitors,” says FIAA President and CEO Johanne Gallant. “We are posting updated signage throughout the terminal to help passengers find their way. We’ve trained our staff and have been working with our tenants in the terminal on the changes to ensure we maintain the friendly, helpful service our community expects.”

For the latest information on the expansion project, including up-to-date details on changes at the airport, the airport authority recommends checking the website expansion.yfcfredericton.ca.

The first change is the location of our car rental desks. As of May 17, they have been relocated to a temporary office next to the far left end of the terminal.

On May 24, 2019, passengers can expect to see the following changes:

• Departures/check-in: The entrance for departures will temporarily move to the opposite end of the terminal. Once inside, the check-in counters are located to the left (WestJet and Porter) and right (Air Canada). After check-in, simply follow the signs to baggage drop-off and security.
• Cargo: Cargo will relocate to the departures area.
• Lost luggage: Passengers with lost luggage should go to their airline’s check-in counter in the new departures area.

Additional changes will soon take place. The FIAA will advise of the exact dates of these changes as details are confirmed. Below is a list of changes passengers can expect in the near future:

• Drop-off, pick-up, taxis: The road in front of the terminal will be closed. Passenger drop-off and pick-up will be located where short-term parking used to be, directly in front of the terminal’s former main entrance. The taxi queue will also move to this location.
• Parking: Both short-term and long-term parking will move to the long-term parking lot.

Please note that for passengers arriving at YFC, nothing will change. Upon entering the terminal, the luggage belt will be located to the right. The exit is straight ahead, as before.

To help passengers find their way, YFC has a map outlining the changes, as well as a website explaining the project. Passengers are advised to check-in a few minutes early.

Otherwise, it’s business as usual at YFC. Passengers can expect the same friendly, helpful service, and the same offering of daily flights to major Canadian hubs through YFC’s three major carriers: Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet.

The FIAA appreciates its passengers’ and visitors’ patience as we prepare for construction.

FAQs

Why build a new terminal?

FIAA’s vision of a dynamic, progressive, and growing airport is being realized. The airport is currently operating at more than double the capacity for which it was built. Designed to accommodate 200,000 passengers a year, in 2018 more than 420,000 people flew through YFC.

The new terminal will improve security and provide appropriate space for security lines.

Finally, YFC wants to do a better job of acting as an ambassador for the region. YFC is the first thing travellers and investors see when they arrive and the last impression they take away with them.

When will the new terminal be unveiled?

Construction of the expanded terminal will be completed in 2021.

What will the new terminal look like?

The new, contemporary terminal will be bigger, more efficient, and more comfortable, and will offer more amenities. The updated, modern design reflects the character of our Capital Region:  vibrant, smart, and inspired by nature. It will create a lasting first impression on visitors, and be a welcoming point of departure and arrival for locals.

Who is paying for it?

The YFC expansion project is a partnership between the Fredericton International Airport Authority, the Province of New Brunswick, and the Government of Canada.

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The Fredericton International Airport (YFC) serves over 424,000 passengers annually and offers direct daily service to the major hubs of Toronto (Pearson and Billy Bishop), Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, along with seasonal service to the popular sun destinations Cancun, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana. Through direct, indirect, and induced economic activity, YFC generates 662 jobs, $38.8 million in GDP, and $25.8 million in labour income for New Brunswick every year.