Halifax Stanfield International Airport experienced a notable rise in passengers traveling to the United States in 2025, defying a broader national downturn. Data from Statistics Canada reveals this facility as the sole airport among Canada’s eight busiest to record a year-over-year gain in transborder flights.
The uptick of 6.1% in U.S.-bound passengers contrasts with widespread Canadian hesitancy amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric, prompting many to shun American destinations.
Airport Authority Highlights Growth
“Our strong results from 2025 highlight Halifax Stanfield’s growing role as a Canadian gateway, not only for Atlantic Canadians but also for global travellers,” stated Joyce Carter, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority.
The airport handled over 4.1 million passengers in 2025, marking a 4% increase from the prior year. International arrivals surged to more than 525,000, up 19.3% from 440,000 in 2024. Domestic flights remained dominant, serving over 3.27 million passengers with 1.5% growth.
Travel Trends and Surveys
Amra Durakovic, head of communications for Flight Centre Travel Group, expressed initial surprise at the increase. A recent Flight Centre survey with YouGov found 62% of Canadians unlikely to visit the U.S., rising to 64% in Atlantic Canada.
“Everything I’ve been told by our travel advisers in Halifax is that Canadians aren’t actually travelling widely to different locations across the U.S. unless it’s either business-specific or cruising,” Durakovic noted. She emphasized cruising’s appeal, bolstered by pre-clearance at Halifax, which offers travelers a sense of safety, ease, and predictability.
Popular spots include Florida for cruises, alongside business hubs like California, the Pacific Northwest, New York, Texas, Las Vegas, Arizona, and Atlanta.
Official Recognition and Outlook
The U.S. Consulate General in Halifax congratulated the airport on its achievements. “Our regional ties run incredibly deep and travel remains smooth and efficient for the hundreds of thousands of people who cross our shared border every day,” the consulate stated.
Halifax Stanfield positions itself as North America’s most internationally connected airport of its size. Looking to 2026, it plans 57 nonstop services, including 15 to Europe, with strong links across North America and the Caribbean.
