The St. John's International Airport Authority says the airport has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels of travel. (CBC)
Air travel in Newfoundland and Labrador is finally bouncing back. After years of turbulence from the COVID-19 pandemic, airports across the province are seeing steady passenger growth and renewed optimism.
St. John’s International Airport Hits 1.4 Million Passengers
In 2024, St. John’s International Airport welcomed nearly 1.4 million passengers. That marks a 9.4% jump from the previous year and signals a return to pre-pandemic levels. Dennis Hogan, CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority, says the trend is encouraging.
“COVID really hit us hard,” Hogan said during a CBC Radio interview. “But we’re now seeing traffic back to more typical levels. That gives us confidence going forward.”
Strategic Focus on Canadian Travel Hubs
To rebuild its flight network, the airport authority targeted major Canadian cities. These included Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. Hogan noted that regional airports like St. John’s took longer to recover compared to larger hubs.
“It’s taken us a bit longer to bounce back,” he admitted. “But we’ve made significant progress by reconnecting with core destinations.”
Economic Caution Still Lingers
While growth is on the horizon, global and national economic concerns remain a factor. Hogan says the situation is difficult to predict. “There’s always a level of uncertainty,” he explained. “We’re keeping an eye on global trends and adjusting where necessary.”
U.S. Flights Still Under Review
Routes to the U.S. are still under consideration, though not without challenges. Hogan pointed to trade tensions as a complicating factor. “The trade war has made us more cautious,” he said. “But cross-border routes are still very much on our radar.”
Big Boost Expected From Canada Summer Games
Looking ahead, the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s is expected to give a strong push to passenger traffic. With the event scheduled for August, the airport is preparing for a busy summer season.
Gander Airport Steadily Climbing Back
Over in central Newfoundland, Gander International Airport is also making strides. Though not yet at pre-pandemic levels, it’s moving in the right direction.
Reg Wright, Gander’s CEO, described 2024 as a “measured step of progress.” The airport handled 115,978 passengers last year—up 6.5% from 2023. “It wasn’t a fireworks year,” Wright said. “But every transformation is built on many small steps. And this is one of them.”
Despite still being 33% below its 2019 numbers, Gander Airport’s leadership is staying optimistic.
Expanded Flights Fuel Gander’s Growth
Summer travel prospects in Gander look strong. Wright highlighted Air Canada’s decision to add a second daily flight to Toronto. PAL Airlines is also expanding its inter-provincial routes.
New flight connections between Gander, Deer Lake, and St. John’s are expected to attract more travelers. Additionally, increased service to Labrador will improve regional access.
Recovery Takes Time, But Momentum Is Building
The rebound of Newfoundland and Labrador airports reflects a broader recovery in the aviation sector. Patience has been key, and both St. John’s and Gander are moving steadily toward full recovery.
While the pace may not be rapid, the progress is real. Airline route rebuilding, event-driven travel, and expanding options are all pointing to better days ahead.
Air travel in the province is rising—and with continued effort and planning, the skies look bright once again.
