Halifax Stanfield International Airport Developments

[q12]

WestJet to augment summer 2025 schedule with new route from Halifax

HALIFAX, NS, Feb. 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Media are invited to join WestJet and the Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for an announcement regarding an addition to the airline's 2025 summer schedule. A business and community celebration will take place at Lot Six Bar and Restaurant, with remarks from key business, government and community partners including Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs at WestJet.

https://westjet.mediaroom.com/2025-02-17...025-schedule-with-new-route-from-Halifax

[q12]

I thought it might be Manchester, UK, however that route is available codeshare with Westjet's new Paris flight with Air France. We'll have to wait for tomorrow's announcement to find out where this route is.

[q12]

Congratulations to
@HfxStanfield and @WestJet
on an exciting announcement today in Halifax. Direct flights to and from Amsterdam take off May 25th. The first time for this route in 30 years. #NovaScotia is open for business!

YHZ-AMS

[q12]

Pack your bags, Halifax! WestJet launches non-stop service to Amsterdam for summer 2025

HALIFAX, NS, Feb. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced new service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). The new service will operate through the airline's 2025 summer schedule, with up to six-times weekly service beginning May 29, 2025. This will be the first time WestJet operates between Amsterdam and Halifax, contributing to a 97 per cent increase in the airline's transatlantic seat capacity from Nova Scotia, compared to last year.

Pack your bags, Halifax! WestJet launches non-stop service to Amsterdam for summer 2025 (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

"WestJet's new service between Halifax and Amsterdam opens the door for record growth in Nova Scotia through vital investment that strengthens connectivity to Europe, furthering tourism and economic opportunities," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet. "We're excited to see the stories that will unfold as travellers from both regions connect and discover the unique charm of these vibrant cities."



Halifax-Amsterdam

6x weekly

May 29, 2025

Amsterdam-Halifax

6x weekly

May 30, 2025

WestJet's non-stop flight to Amsterdam is just one of many new direct services launching this spring. In 2025, the airline will fly to more transatlantic destinations from YHZ than ever before, offering service to Paris, London, Dublin, Edinburgh and now Amsterdam. WestJet's fulsome summer 2025 schedule is now available at WestJet.com.

"We are very pleased that WestJet will be resuming service at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and we look forward to welcoming the first flight on 30 May. Halifax is an exciting new destination at Schiphol and will be our sixth in Canada. The deployment of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft contributes to our policy to encourage airlines to operate their quietest and cleanest aircraft at Schiphol," said Patricia Vitalis, Executive Director of Operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Travel beyond Amsterdam with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Through WestJet's longstanding codeshare agreement with KLM, guests will have convenient access via AMS to multiple cities across Europe. Codesharing on KLM operated flights will provide guests greater access between Canadian and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic with the convenience of a single check-in experience, through checked baggage and the ability to interact with WestJet Rewards throughout.

Additional quotes

"Opening new routes between Nova Scotia and international destinations, such as Amsterdam, is an important way of growing tourism and opening our economy to new markets. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and creating new opportunities for Nova Scotia businesses." said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development, Province of Nova Scotia.

"Strengthening our direct connections to Europe enhances tourism, creates economic opportunities, and makes it easier for our residents and businesses to connect with the world. This new route will bring more visitors to Halifax, support our local economy, and further position our city as a gateway to Atlantic Canada. We look forward to welcoming travelers from Amsterdam and beyond to experience everything Halifax has to offer," Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax.

"We're delighted to welcome WestJet's new non-stop Halifax-Amsterdam service this summer, reconnecting our two cities by air for the first time in thirty years. The strong historical and business ties that exist between the two regions will be further strengthened with this new connection, offering our community exciting new travel opportunities and bringing more visitors to our beautiful region. This service also strengthens our partnership with WestJet and reflects their commitment to increased connectivity between Atlantic Canada and key international destinations," said Marie Manning, VP, Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer, HIAA

"We are excited to see WestJet expand its international offerings with the launch of nonstop service from Halifax to Amsterdam," says Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax "This new route strengthens our connection to Europe, making it easier for travelers to experience all that Halifax has to offer."

https://westjet.mediaroom.com/2025-02-18...top-service-to-Amsterdam-for-summer-2025

[worldlyhaligonian]

Great news for both YHZ and AMS!!!

[q12]

Service from Halifax to Amsterdam was last served by KLM in the early 90's (till 1995 I believe) on a Boeing 747:

March 1992


Source Credit: YHZ ATC on facebook https://www.facebook.com/460831157346240...5695.-2207520000/596573487105339/?type=3

[Haliguy]

Fantastic news!

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by q12

Service from Halifax to Amsterdam was last served by KLM in the early 90's (till 1995 I believe) on a Boeing 747:

Somehow, flying across the ocean on a 737 doesn't seem quite the same as on a Queen.

[Saul Goode]

Originally Posted by q12

Service from Halifax to Amsterdam was last served by KLM in the early 90's (till 1995 I believe) on a Boeing 747

KLM served the route on 747-400s for the first few years but later switched to 767-300ERs operated by its subsidiary Martinair (now strictly a cargo airline).

[Ozabald]

Originally Posted by Saul Goode

KLM served the route on 747-400s for the first few years but later switched to 767-300ERs operated by its subsidiary Martinair (now strictly a cargo airline).

IIRC, the route was YOW-YHZ-AMS when it was flown by KLM. Not sure if the YOW leg existed when Martinair flew the route.

Nice catch for YHZ to get the route back. YHZ is on a roll with the expansion of its European service.

[miniborder]

Originally Posted by Ozabald

YHZ is on a roll with the expansion of its European service.

With AC's A321XLRs on the way (likely in Q1 2026), there's a good chance that it keeps on rolling. Exciting times.

[q12]

Halifax Stanfield updated the route map:

[MonctonRad]

Reposted from the Atlantic Canada Airport Thread:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Remember a page or so back we were all speculating on the possibility of WestJet opening up new routes from YHZ to the Iberian Peninsula?

https://westjet.mediaroom.com/2025-03-24...al-non-stop-service-starting-summer-2025

Are we good or what???

Given the potential of the Iberian Peninsula as an alternate sun destination to Florida and the Caribbean, this should really be a year round route.

[connect2source]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Reposted from the Atlantic Canada Airport Thread:



Given the potential of the Iberian Peninsula as an alternate sun destination to Florida and the Caribbean, this should really be a year round route.

Amazing news thanks!!

Barcelona is def a spring - summer - fall destination, Catalonia is in the north of Spain and not considered a sun destination in winter with temps in the teens at best. Even the Costa Del Sol / Malaga in the south is not a beach destination in winter. To escape the cold, Europeans flock to the Canaries which is really the only part of Spain that's warm-hot year round, similar to Florida from Nov - Mar, hence the summer schedule makes sense to me.

[q12]

Barcelona non-stop, crazy didn't think that was coming this summer

[q12]

Porter Airlines Expands Aircraft Maintenance Operations With Halifax Hangar

Apr 2, 2025 10:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time



HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines is expanding its maintenance operations by leasing a 20,000 sq. ft. hangar at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). This investment reinforces Porter’s growing presence in Halifax, and strengthens the airline’s commitment to operational reliability and efficiency as it expands across North America.

The facility will provide dedicated maintenance capacity for Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleets, enhancing service standards and reliability for passengers. The new facility will create job opportunities for the local aviation community, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and material handlers.

“Porter is making strategic investments to support our continued growth and provide the best service to our customers,” said Kent Woodside, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Porter Airlines. “Halifax is an important part of our network, and this hangar provides a dedicated location to maintain our fleet, while creating rewarding careers within the community.”

The Halifax facility will complement Porter’s existing maintenance operations in multiple locations, providing additional capacity across its network to support fleet expansion and service reliability.

Porter has a strong and growing presence at Halifax Stanfield, serving as an important hub in the network. The airline operates 30 daily flights on seven routes this summer, connecting Halifax to key destinations across North America.

For more information about Porter’s presence in Halifax, visit: flyporter.com/book-flights/where-we-fly/route-map

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2...intenance-Operations-With-Halifax-Hangar

[egb]

WestJet has added a bunch of new domestic capacity for the summer to feed all their Europe routes. Vancouver-Halifax is back four times a week, Saskatoon-Halifax and Regina-Halifax have been added once a week each, Edmonton-Halifax is getting a bit more capacity, and Winnipeg-Halifax is getting a big increase.

https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2025/...stic-schedule-with-three-new-routes-and-

[q12]

Looks like the International to domestic connections facility opening in a few months is really going to help open up more routes and push more passengers through YHZ.

Here are some of the details from the Westjet Press Release:

WestJet strengthens domestic schedule with three new routes and added capacity for summer 2025

April 22, 2025
WestJet

New routes unite Canadian communities, boost East Coast links to Europe


WestJet today announced a major expansion of its domestic network with new non-stop service between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and three Canadian cities for summer 2025. The expansion includes all-new non-stop service from Saskatoon and Regina and the return of flying between Vancouver and Halifax.

New domestic routes for summer 2025

Route Frequency Start Date
Vancouver - Halifax* 4x weekly July 1, 2025
Saskatoon - Halifax 1x weekly June 28, 2025
Regina - Halifax 1x weekly June 29, 2025
*Previously served in 2024

Domestic frequency increases for summer 2025

Route Frequency Frequency increase
Winnipeg - Halifax 10x weekly 43 per cent
Edmonton - Halifax 13x weekly 8 per cent

The domestic service enhancements are strategically designed to facilitate seamless, one-stop connectivity to WestJet’s direct flights from Halifax and St. John’s to Europe, including Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh and London, offering more options for guests looking to explore across the Atlantic.

“Halifax is seeing record transatlantic capacity this year, and it’s exciting to see WestJet expanding their domestic offerings this summer,” said Marie Manning, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer at Halifax International Airport Authority. “We’re especially pleased to welcome non-stop services to Regina and Saskatoon for the first time and the return of the popular Halifax - Vancouver service, further strengthening Halifax Stanfield’s connections to the number of destinations last seen in 2019.”

https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/news/2025/...TU-WOEiywXXlA_aem_WSZN0XDJAMpkpMdmQ4caOQ

Halifax Stanfield now serves 47 unique passenger airport destinations around the world with 17 airlines in 2025. This is likely a record for YHZ.

[q12]

JetBlue Enhances Summer Travel with New Routes and Destinations, Strengthening its East Coast Network

01/15/2025

New cities in Canada and Honduras among additions to JetBlue’s route map

Airline set to offer more destinations from Boston than any other carrier

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue is making summer travel even more exciting for 2025 with the addition of new cities and new routes to its network, offering customers more options to reach their favorite destinations. It’s all part of the airline’s JetForward strategy, which includes building the best East Coast leisure network. Whether it’s a relaxing coastal escape, an urban adventure, or a nature-filled getaway, JetBlue has something for everyone.


Five new destinations land on JetBlue's route map this summer. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Among this summer’s additions, now available for booking, are JetBlue’s first-ever flights to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and San Pedro Sula, Honduras with other new U.S. cities topping off the list. Customers can look forward to more convenient travel options and JetBlue’s award-winning service as they plan their next summer getaway or trip to visit family and friends.

From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS):

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (YHZ)

June 26, 2025

1x daily, summer seasonal

https://news.jetblue.com/latest-news/pre...ning-its-East-Coast-Network/default.aspx

And in a little over 3 months after announcing it with great fanfare, JetBlue is pulling this route before it ever took to the skies.

Who knew that there are consequences to threatening to annex your neighbour.

[q12]

More details on JetBlue, looks like they are calling it a "pause". And could add the route back if things change in the future.

JetBlue Reverses Course on New Canada Route

The airline is no longer adding this service.

[ Routes ]April 28, 2025 12:24 pm ET
By Ryan Ewing

Less than two months before launch, JetBlue is abandoning plans to serve one of its newest destinations. A spokesperson from the airline says this move is in response to “softer-than-expected travel demand.”

The New York-based airline will no longer serve Halifax, Nova Scotia, this summer. This route – from the carrier’s Boston hub – was scheduled to begin on June 26, operating once per day.

“While we were excited to launch summer seasonal service to Halifax, we are pausing our entrance into the market because bookings have not met expectations,” the spokesperson added. This is one of the necessary steps we are taking to manage our business through softer-than-expected travel demand this year and economic uncertainty.”

JetBlue’s service to Halifax was first announced in January.

Demand Slump
JetBlue’s latest network shake-up comes amid suppressed travel demand between the U.S. and Canada, with a recent OAG report stating bookings were down around 70%.

The spokesperson shared that the airline will evaluate this route in the future. Passengers booked on these flights will receive a full refund.

JetBlue joins a growing list of U.S. airlines cutting capacity, citing economic uncertainty. Frontier abruptly cut all of its flights to Vail, Colorado, last weekend.

https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/28/jetblue-reverses-course-on-new-canada-route/