Atlantic Canada airport thread

[dhottawa729]

Oddly, there seems to be a Pascan flight running both directions between Saint John and Moncton today and tomorrow around noon. It’s on YSJ’s arrival and departures board, but not YQM’s. It’s also not bookable on Pascans website, not do they advertise YQM as a destination.

I confirmed on FlightRadar24 that this actually occurred today. Anyone know what’s going on because that’s a rather ridiculous route. According to Google, it’s a 1h34min drive and coincidentally a 34min flight that you need to arrive 1 hour early for.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by dhottawa729

Oddly, there seems to be a Pascan flight running both directions between Saint John and Moncton today and tomorrow around noon. It’s on YSJ’s arrival and departures board, but not YQM’s. It’s also not bookable on Pascans website, not do they advertise YQM as a destination.

I confirmed on FlightRadar24 that this actually occurred today. Anyone know what’s going on because that’s a rather ridiculous route. According to Google, it’s a 1h34min drive and coincidentally a 34min flight that you need to arrive 1 hour early for.

This makes no sense. PASCAN has no presence in Moncton at all.

[magee_b]

Could just be a tag-on / charter from YHU.

Based on the timings, the plane seems to arrive from YHU in YSJ, then quickly does the YSJ-YQM rotation before handling the afternoon YSJ-YHZ flight. The plane operating the morning arrival into YSJ from YHZ handles the return to YHU (again according to the flight timings listed)

But yes, weird.

[bingun]

A new article on YSJ from the TJ today.

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/business-travel-increasing-post-covid-airport-ceo

There are no huge revelations in there, but it discusses Flair, PASCAN, Montreal Metropolitan Airport, and Air Canada.

The below is somewhat promising, although I am still skeptical if it will be viable long term.

He expects PASCAN to start making a difference financially this year as well.

“PASCAN is doing what we thought it would be doing by now, usually to get a (new) route to profitability is a 24-month exercise,” he said. “We’re not quite at the cusp of profitability just yet, the numbers aren’t in yet, but I know that passenger numbers are coming up, so we’re happy to have them with us.”

[sailor734]

I had a pleasant surprise when I dropped someone off at YFC to catch a Porter flight the other day. Short term parking (up to two hours) is FREE. Take note YQM and YSJ.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

A new article on YSJ from the TJ today.

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/business-travel-increasing-post-covid-airport-ceo

There are no huge revelations in there, but it discusses Flair, PASCAN, Montreal Metropolitan Airport, and Air Canada.

The below is somewhat promising, although I am still skeptical if it will be viable long term.

The big question is if Pascan can form some sort of alliance with Porter, delivering passengers to Porter's network at the new Montreal hub....... One ticket booked on one site, bags checked through and price competitive with flying to the same destination entirely on Porter aircraft out of YFC or YQM.

Speaking solely for myself, I have had no need to fly to either Toronto or Montreal in recent years but I do fly to SW Florida, the US Southwest, Europe and Vancouver with some regularity. I need connections to an airline (or airline alliance) that can get me there at a competitive price. Porter is becoming a viable option to AC, at least for many North American routes destinations

[Freddypop]

Originally Posted by sailor734

I had a pleasant surprise when I dropped someone off at YFC to catch a Porter flight the other day. Short term parking (up to two hours) is FREE. Take note YQM and YSJ.

Been like that since sometime last summer

[sailor734]

When I didn't see a pay and display machine or numbers to enter into the Hotspot app I actually asked when we got to the baggage checkin. The Porter agent said they had done it to encourage people to patronize the Chess Piece cafe and parisserie.

[dhottawa729]

Originally Posted by sailor734

When I didn't see a pay and display machine or numbers to enter into the Hotspot app I actually asked when we got to the baggage checkin. The Porter agent said they had done it to encourage people to patronize the Chess Piece cafe and parisserie.

It’s a good idea for sure because money lost from parking revenue can be made up through increased on-site spending. For YSJ to do this now would just be lost revenue while YFC has a nice new little cafe albeit a bit stark. These small airports need to take advantage of the hundreds of people with money in their pockets passing through each day and encourage more on-site spending before they leave the site by proving something people might want- like a cozy pub or and attractive restaurant in the terminal to grab a bite to eat or a quick pint after welcoming or before saying goodbye visitors. This could also draw community non-passengers to the site if it’s a nice enough establishment. A utilitarian cafe likely won’t do that. It needs to be central to both arrivals and departures to get people on their way in and out to maximize profitability. Something with high visibility to the security line will ease some anxiety and maybe allow people the comfort to dwell ground-side a bit longer before saying goodbye.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by dhottawa729

It’s a good idea for sure because money lost from parking revenue can be made up through increased on-site spending. For YSJ to do this now would just be lost revenue while YFC has a nice new little cafe albeit a bit stark. These small airports need to take advantage of the hundreds of people with money in their pockets passing through each day and encourage more on-site spending before they leave the site by proving something people might want- like a cozy pub or and attractive restaurant in the terminal to grab a bite to eat or a quick pint after welcoming or before saying goodbye visitors. This could also draw community non-passengers to the site if it’s a nice enough establishment. A utilitarian cafe likely won’t do that. It needs to be central to both arrivals and departures to get people on their way in and out to maximize profitability. Something with high visibility to the security line will ease some anxiety and maybe allow people the comfort to dwell ground-side a bit longer before saying goodbye.

Exactly, The decor there leaves a lot to be desired but the coffee and pastries were quite good. We sat and chatted before it was time for the passenger I was dropping off to go through security.

[sailor734]

YHZ growing with new Jetblue service to Boston.

https://www.paxnews.com/news/airline/jet...between%20Halifax,Wednesday%20(Jan.%2015).

Pretty big deal as it provides a way to access a second major US carrier's network. (and from what I read I'd chose Jetblue over United most of the time)

[stephan.richard]

Originally Posted by sailor734

YHZ growing with new Jetblue service to Boston.

https://www.paxnews.com/news/airline/jet...between%20Halifax,Wednesday%20(Jan.%2015).

Pretty big deal as it provides a way to access a second major US carrier's network. (and from what I read I'd chose Jetblue over United most of the time)

Wish it would be year round service.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by stephan.richard

Wish it would be year round service.

Agreed. JetBlue serves a wide selection of destinations in Florida, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and they talk of making Boston a leisure hub so sun destination options from there might increase. For summer they have also recently announced new routes to Europe from Boston.

[dhottawa729]

Originally Posted by magee_b

Could just be a tag-on / charter from YHU.

Based on the timings, the plane seems to arrive from YHU in YSJ, then quickly does the YSJ-YQM rotation before handling the afternoon YSJ-YHZ flight. The plane operating the morning arrival into YSJ from YHZ handles the return to YHU (again according to the flight timings listed)

But yes, weird.

This weird SJ-Moncton return flight is still occurring every Wednesday and Thursday for the past 3 weeks. It’s not bookable so super curious why this is. Wonder if it’s just to keep up the pilots flight hours by occupying time, package delivery side hustle, or short-term private business charter. Would be good if they flew a somewhat more useful route like Charlottetown where at least 1 person per day might take it during the winter months! Haha

[DyAm00394]

I've came across this interesting video on YouTube, uploaded 6 months ago from the YSJ channel. It's a video showing off the possible redevelopment plans/idea, showing the renderings that we have already seen but in a 3D tour style. In the possible gas station (with EV charging) area, they specifically show a Tim Hortons standalone building, and a McDonald's standalone building.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=732glCekDo8

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

I've came across this interesting video on YouTube, uploaded 6 months ago from the YSJ channel. It's a video showing off the possible redevelopment plans/idea, showing the renderings that we have already seen but in a 3D tour style. In the possible gas station (with EV charging) area, they specifically show a Tim Hortons standalone building, and a McDonald's standalone building.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=732glCekDo8

I have to think that's just creative license/wishful thinking. Does anyone really think there is the population or volume of traffic out there on a day in day out basis to support either of those?

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by sailor734

I have to think that's just creative license/wishful thinking. Does anyone really think there is the population or volume of traffic out there on a day in day out basis to support either of those?

I don't know that area very well, but I know anytime I am headed to the airport or the end of the arterial that there is always a lot of traffic. Based on that alone I would think there is enough population to support a Tim's. It might hurt the restaurant in the airport badly though.

There is a restaurant in one of those gas stations that stays in business. Probably not both a McDonalds and a Tim's however.

[habs33]

Porter Airlines expands service to Hamilton airport

Porter Airlines will now be flying out of Hamilton airport, the Canadian airline announced on Tuesday.

Service to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver is set to begin in June from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope.

[q12]

Halifax Stanfield sees nearly 4 million passengers in 2024

February 4, 2025

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (Halifax Stanfield) has once again proven its vital role as Atlantic Canada’s gateway to the world.

The airport’s bustling corridors and departure lounges were filled with activity in 2024, as 3,979,785 passengers embarked on journeys to and from the region. This impressive number represents an 11.2 per cent increase from 2023, signalling continued growth in air travel demand. Although still short of the 4.2 million passengers served in 2019, HIAA expects passenger volumes in 2025 to reach 2019 levels.

“Reaching four million passengers marks a significant milestone in Halifax Stanfield’s recovery,” said Marie Manning, Vice President of Business Development & Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “A growing number of travellers are choosing Halifax as their gateway, thanks to the variety of air services offered by our airline partners and the high-quality customer experience our airport is known for.”

As Halifax Stanfield attracts a growing number of travellers, it strengthens its position as a significant driver of tourism activity and economic development, enhancing the region’s accessibility and appeal on a global scale.

“Air services offered at Halifax Stanfield play a crucial role in strengthening tourism and business ties between Atlantic Canada and the global community,” stated Sean Meister, Executive Director of Global Bluenosers. “Each flight not only supports our local economy but also deepens our region’s connections with international communities, markets and new opportunities.”

The future looks bright for air travel in Atlantic Canada as Halifax Stanfield continues to spread its wings with new routes alongside its well-established services. In 2025, the airport will be well-connected to domestic destinations, which remains its largest sector.

Air Canada, the airport’s largest and longest-serving airline, will offer its non-stop Vancouver service up to twice daily this summer along with flights to other major centers across Canada. Porter Airlines, the airport’s second-largest carrier, will launch flights between Halifax and Hamilton beginning in June. Regional connectivity will be supported by Pascan Aviation’s daily flights to Sydney, N.S., and Saint John, N.B., which were launched in 2024.

A record number of airline seats will be available for sale to international destinations, including Europe and the U.S. Air Canada will maintain its daily, year-round, non-stop flights to London Heathrow. Meanwhile, WestJet will offer transatlantic services connecting Halifax to Edinburgh, Dublin, and London Gatwick, and will also introduce four weekly non-stop flights between Halifax and Paris.



This summer, Edelweiss will launch twice-weekly non-stop flights between Halifax and Zurich, Icelandair will resume its Reykjavik route, and Discover Airlines will offer up to six weekly flights between Halifax and Frankfurt.

Summer 2025 will also include an expanded slate of non-stop flights connecting Halifax to key U.S. markets. In addition to existing services offered by Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, JetBlue is set to launch a new daily summer service between Halifax and Boston.

Porter is already operating new sun season services to Tampa and Orlando. BermudAir’s non-stop flights between Halifax and Bermuda will operate twice weekly.

“Our focus in 2025, as it was in 2024, will be on expanding air services to meet the evolving needs of our travellers,” said Manning. “As we grow, our commitment to our community and partners remains steadfast as we connect people and goods to the world.”

Ready to plan your next journey? Click here to explore Halifax Stanfield’s 2025 non-stop destinations.


Passenger Statistics Summary – Breakdown by Sector

Sector ____ 2019 ____ 2023 ____ 2024 ____ % vs 2023

Domestic 3,524,167 3,067,375 3,228,425 5.3%

Transborder (U.S.) 361,348 197,551 311,915 57.9%

Other International 302,928 314,367 439,445 39.8%

Total 4,188,443 3,579,293 3,979,785 11.2%

https://halifaxstanfield.ca/news-releases/halifax-stanfields-passenger-volumes-take-off-in-2024/

[MonctonRad]

A couple of new visitors to YQM in the last few days (photos courtesy of the Moncton Planespotters Facebook group)



Buffalo Airways is a cargo service based in Yellowknife. Apparently they may become a occasional visitor to YQM. Service is to Yellowknife. I am not sure what they are transporting



Aeroflyer is another western Canadian based cargo service (Kamloops I think). Their future plans regarding Moncton are unknown. This may have been a one off.