Canadian Government Announces New Funding For Ottawa International Airport Infrastructure
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is to receive almost CA$4 million ($3 million) for improvements to its infrastructure. The funding comes from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP).
The investment was announced today by the Canadian Minister for Transport, Omar Alghabra, and will be used for the rehabilitation of the pavement on Taxiways A, M, AA, BB, and CC. This financing comes in addition to the CA$6.4 million ($4.7 million) announced last year from the ACIP that will go towards the construction of a light rail transit station at the airport.
Outlining the importance of the funding to Canada’s aviation industry and to the country’s social and economic well-being as a whole, Alghabra said,
“As we continue with the return of aviation activity that supports the health, safety, and security of all Canadians, it is imperative that we maintain a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector. These critical investments will allow the Ottawa International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and to allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
President and CEO of Ottawa International Airport Authority, Mark Laroche, celebrated the investment, saying,
“After being hard-hit by the pandemic, we appreciate the federal government’s support as we work to maintain our infrastructure to ensure the highest level of safety for our passengers and employees. This support is ever more important as we continue our recovery, welcoming new partnerships and air service to YOW that will benefit Canada’s Capital Region.”
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is currently the seventh-busiest airport in Canada. In 2019 it was the sixth-busiest, but has since lost that title to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG).
Pre-pandemic, flag carrier Air Canada operated Transatlantic flights to London Heathrow (LHR). It is not yet known if and when these services will return. Today, the majority of its international services cater to holidaymakers heading south to Mexico and the Caribbean, operated by the likes of Air Canada Rouge, Sunwing, and WestJet.
What is the ACIP?
The Airport Critical Infrastructure Program was created by Transport Canada in May 2021. Over the course of five years, it will provide $571.2 million CAD in funding for a variety of safety, security, and connectivity projects. The program also looks at how airports and passengers can better protect themselves from COVID-19 and its variants through testing and screening, helping to build back confidence in travelers.
It is not only in Canada where investments are being made in airport infrastructure. Earlier this month, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) inaugurated its metro station, linking the airport directly to the city’s public transportation network for the first time.
Have you flown through Ottawa International Airport? What did you make of the passenger experience? How do you think the funding will benefit the airport and the surrounding area? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.