Airports Of Nova Scotia: A Comprehensive Guide

There are several airports in Nova Scotia, Canada, with the Halifax Stanfield International Airport being the main airport. It is one of the busiest airports in Canada, located about 30km northeast of Halifax and 28km from Dartmouth. The Sydney Airport is the second most important airport in the region, serving as a feeder airport for Halifax Stanfield and Toronto–Pearson airport. Other airports in Nova Scotia include the Baddeck Airport, Port Hawkesbury Airport, Apple River Airport, and Margaree Airport.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport

The airport has been in operation since 1960 and is owned by Transport Canada. Since 2000, it has been managed by the Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). Halifax Stanfield International Airport is part of the National Airports System and is designated as an international airport by Transport Canada. In 2024, it handled nearly four million passengers, making it the 8th busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic.

The terminal building at Halifax Stanfield International Airport has 32 gate positions, with 13 using airbridges. The airport has two runways, referred to as the "main runway" and the "secondary runway," arranged perpendicular to each other. The airport has won several awards for its service quality and passenger satisfaction, including being named the Best Airport in the World in its class (under 5 million passengers) for seven consecutive years.

The airport offers a range of services and amenities for passengers, including car rentals, taxis, and limousine services. There are also various food and beverage options, shopping, and an observation deck. Additionally, the airport provides an Advance Declaration service, allowing travellers to submit their customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada, speeding up the inspection process.

Sydney Airport

The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an aerodrome for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. In 1937, the government selected a site near the Cape Breton Flying Club's airstrip for the construction of the new aerodrome, which commenced in 1938. By December 1940, the No. 8 (BR) Squadron had relocated its operations to Sydney from Kelly Beach in North Sydney. During the war, the RAF Ferry Command and the Return Ferry Service utilised Sydney Airport as a staging point and an alternate site for their transatlantic operations.

In December 1945, following the end of hostilities, the RCAF transferred control of the airport to the Department of Transport for conversion into a civilian aerodrome. The airport underwent significant developments over the subsequent decades, including extensions to its runways and the construction of a new terminal building in 1967. Sydney Airport continues to receive investments for infrastructure upgrades, such as runway repairs, terminal enhancements, and road improvements, ensuring its ongoing modernisation and efficiency.

Baddeck Airport

The airport is situated in the foothills overlooking Baddeck, and its hilly location can make for a challenging approach for light aircraft in strong wind conditions. The surrounding scenery is quite beautiful, but the airport's location can result in significant turbulence for small planes on approach to runway 22. Due to the hilly terrain, runway 04 uses non-standard right-hand circuits.

When travelling to and from Baddeck Airport, passengers have various transportation options. Car services, taxis, and limousines are available curbside outside the arrivals area. Additionally, car rentals from international agencies can be arranged, although booking in advance is recommended due to potential rental car shortages in the province.

Port Hawkesbury Airport

The Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport (IATA: YPS, ICAO: CYPD) is a registered aerodrome located 2.1 nautical miles (3.9 km; 2.4 mi) north of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada. The airport is jointly funded by the Town of Port Hawkesbury, the Municipality of the County of Inverness, and the Municipality of the County of Richmond.

The airport is located near several tourist attractions, including the Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf course in Inverness, which have contributed to an increase in flight volume. In July 2017, operations of the airport were contracted out to Celtic Air Services. The airport offers various services, including aircraft parking, towing, and servicing with fuel, air conditioning, lavatory, ground power, and cabin grooming.

The history of the airport includes a significant contribution by Hector MacInnis, who was the Deputy Mayor of the Town of Port Hawkesbury for almost 37 years. MacInnis worked closely with elected officials from the Counties of Inverness and Richmond to oversee the governance and development of the airport. In late 2017, the airport was renamed from the Port Hawkesbury Airport to honour Allan J. MacEachen, a long-serving Liberal MP and Senator from Nova Scotia who played a vital role in its foundation.

The Allan J. MacEachen Airport Committee, which includes elected officials and senior staff from the three municipalities, makes decisions regarding the daily operations, facilities, and maintenance of the airport. The committee has explored opportunities for expansion and applied for infrastructure funding assistance in 2014 and 2017 to support necessary upgrades. The Town of Port Hawkesbury Council has the final approval authority on significant recommendations and decisions regarding the airport's operations and ownership.

Apple River Airport

West Apple River is the main populated area of the Apple River community. The area was settled by Loyalist families from the United States in 1783, including Robert Dove, Hugh Pudsey, and Joseph Elderkin. Apple River had one of the first lighthouses in the Upper Bay of Fundy, which was established in 1848 at the tip of Cape Capstan. The community grew in the late 19th century due to lumbering, and at least 14 vessels were built between 1845 and 1909.

When flying into Nova Scotia, travellers can also arrive at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). This airport offers a range of services, including car rentals, taxis, and limos, as well as food and beverage options and shopping. It is recommended that travellers book their rental cars in advance due to potential shortages. Halifax Stanfield International Airport also offers an Advance Declaration service, allowing travellers to submit their customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours in advance.

Other airports in Nova Scotia include those in Halifax, such as the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which provides services to the Halifax area and beyond.

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