Fredericton International Airport looking for $30M to expand

The Fredericton International Airport is looking to the provincial and federal government as they try to raise funds for a planned $30-million expansion.

Johanne Gallant, the airport's chief executive officer, saidshe is preparing for half a million passengers a year by 2030, and the airport is not set to accommodate that many people as it is now.

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"It was basically built to accommodate about 200,000 passengers, so we're about 75 per cent over capacity," said Gallant.

Gallant saidshe is hoping the federal and provincial government will both provide $10 million for the expansion, with the airport covering the final third of the project.

The airport official saysthe economic importance of the airport makes her optimistic the airport will get the money, but she said there have been no firm commitments yet.

"Everytime we grow 10 per cent it's one per cent economic growth for the community," said Gallant.

No extra fees

Gallant saidthe airport will not be adding on any fees to travellers to pay for this expansion this year, but wouldn't rule it out for the future.

"Every year you have to relook at your expenses and your revenue source. The goal this year is not to increase any fees," said Gallant.

"There's no guarantee in the future but the plan is to maintain a very cost efficient airport and that's why we're looking for partnerships."

Second security line needed

The plan would include expanding the hold room and updating the bathrooms. It would also add a second security line.

"Especially at peak hours we have congestion in our secure area, and on certain mornings the lineup goes all the way out to outside," said Gallant.

Gallant says the arrival of WestJet has brought in more passengers, along with the addition of sun charters.