May 8, 2025
Today at its annual public meeting, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) celebrated its incredible growth in 2024 and recognized its positive economic impact on Atlantic Canada and beyond.
“In 2024, our team wholeheartedly embraced our vision – people and partners creating Canada’s best gateway airport – by driving initiatives that strengthen our commitment to excellence, and building for the future,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “We were thrilled to welcome new and returning non-stop air services, launch new programs and services, and make significant progress on all of our strategic priorities.”
Total revenue for HIAA was up 10.5 per cent from 2023, with growth reported in all travel sectors and revenue categories. HIAA reached a new record of service to international destinations, driving both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue. In tandem with strong passenger levels, bottom-line performance in 2024 was driven by strong revenues dedicated to funding the airport infrastructure investments necessary to meet rising activity levels and increasing air carrier connectivity.
Revenue growth continued to outperform expense growth, which was up $7.7 million, primarily driven by increased personnel-related costs, materials, services and supplies, and ground lease rent paid to the federal government. These numbers reflect better-than-projected revenue and expense forecasts, leading to a net income of $23 million, an increase of $7 million from 2023.
“Our financial achievements in 2024 have set HIAA up for a period of sustained success,” said Paul Brigley, Vice President, Finance & CFO, HIAA. “With a strong performance propelling us forward, our airport is ready to make the strategic investments needed to expand our services, drive sustainability, renew infrastructure and deliver a world-class experience to even more passengers in the coming years.”
The growth HIAA experienced is positively reflected in its economic impact for the province, driving $4.2 billion in annual economic impact to Nova Scotia in 2023, including $1.4 billion in tourism spending. At a time of economic instability, HIAA has been proud to unlock new opportunities for regional businesses, connecting them with new markets all over the world and strengthening Halifax Stanfield’s position as a key Canadian gateway.
HIAA continued to focus capital investments on strategic priorities and maintenance of safe and efficient airport operations. In 2024, capital expenditures totalled $34.6 million, a 15% increase from the previous year. These projects align with our commitment to safety, accessibility, innovation, and the continued enhancement of the Halifax Stanfield experience.
“In 2024, HIAA built strong relationships with the communities we serve, invested in accessibility, reduced emissions, and laid the physical and technological foundations that will allow us to take off to greater heights,” said Carter. “I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated employees, volunteers, airline and community partners, and everyone who has contributed to our success. As we look ahead to 2025 and celebrate 25 years of HIAA, I am confident the strong foundation we have built will allow us to take off to even greater heights.”
Click here to download HIAA’s 2024 Annual Report, Taking Off, and read more about the organization’s accomplishments and performance.
HIAA’s 2024 Highlights
- Welcomed 3,979,785 passengers – an 11.2 per cent increase compared to 2023.
- Introduced three new accessibility programs: Hearing Loops, The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and the Aira App, in addition to other infrastructure enhancements to improve accessibility, earning Halifax Stanfield the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Gold rating.
- Offered up to 30 weekly non-stop flights to Europe during the summer, including: Air Canada – London Heathrow; Air Saint-Pierre – Saint Pierre Miquelon; Condor and Discover Airlines Halifax – Frankfurt. Icelandair – Reykjavik and WestJet – Dublin, London Gatwick, and Edinburgh.
- Welcomed new airlines BermudAir (Kingston, Bermuda) and Pascan Aviation (Saint John, NB and Sydney, NS).
- Made significant progress on the construction of a new International Connections Facility, which is set to open in 2025.
- Processed 26,198 metric tonnes of cargo.
- Developed a comprehensive waste management strategy, resulting in 277 tonnes of terminal building waste diverted from landfills.
- Reduced scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 33 per cent – meeting its goals two years ahead of schedule.
- Completed an Airfield Restoration Program, including a new domestic aircraft stand and gate modifications to accommodate larger aircraft, offering flexibility for passengers, airlines and cargo carriers.
- Completed construction on a new Standby Lot, offering a free waiting area for drivers coming to the airport to pick up arriving passengers.
- Renewed terminal and groundside infrastructure, including a Jet Bridge Replacement project.
- Introduced streamlined technology onboarding processes to accommodate the growing number of airlines, enabling new routes to launch as efficiently as possible.