Passenger traffic up 7% YTD at Gander

(June 9, 2013) Passenger traffic at Gander International Airport grew seven per cent year to date as of the end of May.

This growth comes on the heels of a 5.7% overall increase in 2012, which represented the best year for passenger traffic recorded at Gander since 1989.

“The sustained passenger growth at our airport is very encouraging and we are thankful so many travelers are choosing the convenience of flying from Gander,” said Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) President and CEO Gary Vey.

On May 1, Air Canada introduced a fourth daily departure from Gander to St. John’s, serviced by Tier III operator EVAS Air. Sunwing Airlines also concluded a successful nine week series to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. On June 20, Air Canada’s seasonal nonstop service to Toronto returns. Sunwing Airlines also provides twice weekly service to Toronto for the summer peak.

“We are forecasting continued passenger growth for 2013,” Mr. Vey said. “Encroachment is still a challenge and we are still ceding market share when Central Newfoundlanders fly from other gateways, but we are making headway. Smaller markets likes ours are growing in importance and airlines are fleeting to take advantage of these air service opportunities. This opens up very interesting possibilities for Gander. As we secure new seat capacity and travel options, our market will grow with it.”

The Gander International Airport Authority is the not-for-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at Gander International Airport (CYQX). The airport plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Central Newfoundland region. In 2013, the airport celebrates its 75th year of operations.

For further information, contact:

Gary Vey, President and CEO

Phone: (709) 256-6668
Email: veyg@giaa.nf.ca