Passenger traffic up at Gander Airport in 2012

(Jan. 4, 2013) Passenger traffic at Gander International Airport (CYQX) grew 5.7 per cent in 2012, representing the highest total since 1989.

“2012 was the best year for passenger traffic at Gander International Airport in almost a quarter century,” said airport authority President and CEO Gary Vey. “We are delighted so many travelers are choosing the convenience of flying from Gander.”

Mr. Vey pointed to growth on the Gander-Halifax and Gander-Labrador routes, as well as strong patronage on Air Canada’s seasonal non-stop service to Toronto and Sunwing’s winter program to the Caribbean as the primary performance drivers.

Establishing CYQX as the preferred passenger hub for Central Newfoundland has been a key part of the airport’s business plan, Mr. Vey said. The airport authority is forecasting continued growth for 2013 as new air travel options, a healthy regional economy and increased non-resident tourist visitations buoy traffic.

While domestic growth has been positive, it has been “a difficult year” for Gander’s traditional international technical stop business, Mr. Vey noted.

“A confluence of economic and geopolitical factors has impacted this line of business. It has been a challenging year on this front for the airport and the many companies at Gander Airport dependent on international business,” he said.

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