Puntos Clave
• El Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s recibió casi 1,4 millones de pasajeros en 2024, un aumento del 9,4%.
• El Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander creció un 6% en 2024, pero sigue por debajo de niveles pre-pandemia.
• En junio de 2025 llegarán nuevas rutas aéreas estacionales y $15 millones más en inversión gubernamental para turismo.
St. John’s International Airport and Gander International Airport are once again busy with travelers, marking an impressive revival for Newfoundland’s aviation sector. In the past years, airports worldwide struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and the Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander are showing strong signs of recovery. This is a reason for celebration not only for these two airports but also for Terranova as a whole. A healthy aviation sector means more tourists, stronger business connections, and a boost to the province’s economy.
Let’s look deeply at the factors behind this aviation comeback, the specific progress made by both airports, and what this means for local people and visitors.
Rebound at St. John’s: Passenger Numbers Reach New Heights
The Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s owns a central place in the lives of many people across Terranova. As the main entrance to the province, its ability to attract travelers affects almost every sector — from hotels and restaurants to local shops and big companies. In 2024, this airport welcomed almost 1.4 million travelers. That is a 9.4% increase compared to just one year earlier. This means that the airport now serves as many people as it did before the challenges of the pandemic began.
Why is this growth so encouraging? Before, during the health crisis, travel restrictions and health concerns led to a sharp drop in airport activity. Now, the numbers show that travelers are feeling confident about moving again, whether it is for holidays, to visit family, or for business. The Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s has not only bounced back but is leading the way for other airports in Atlantic Canada.
Steady Steps Forward for Gander
While the Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander is smaller, its recovery is just as noticeable in its own way. In 2024, the airport received just over 115,000 passengers, which is a 6% increase from the previous year. That means more people are choosing Gander as their point of arrival or departure. However, Gander is not yet seeing the same level of passengers as before the pandemic. This is in part due to fewer available flights and some cutbacks in service that started during the COVID-19 crisis.
Even with these hurdles, international and local observers agree that the airport’s steady improvement is a good sign. Every year, more travelers pass through its gates, step by step returning to old highs. This offers hope to local businesses and travelers in the area, many of whom rely on the airport for work, tourism, and easy access to the rest of Canada or the world.
Key Numbers: Comparing Progress at St. John’s and Gander
To show the recovery more clearly, let’s see the figures side by side:
- St. John’s International Airport: Around 1.26 million passengers in 2023, nearly 1.4 million in 2024, an increase of 9.4%. This airport has returned to its pre-pandemic strength.
- Gander International Airport: About 108,500 passengers in 2023, more than 115,000 in 2024, which is a 6% rise. Gander is still working towards full recovery, as its numbers have not yet reached what they were before the pandemic.
These stats reveal that not all airports recover at the same speed. Larger airports like St. John’s lead the charge, while smaller facilities like Gander take gradual steps forward.
Why These Airports Matter for Terranova
Airports are not just a place to catch a plane. For Terranova, especially places served by the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander, they are the starting point for travel, business, and new beginnings. Leaders in the province often say that these airports are the “spark plug” for the local economy. In total, airports in Newfoundland contribute over $1 billion each year. This support comes in the form of jobs, business opportunities, and extra spending by tourists.
As the number of travelers grows, local hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, tour operators, and retail shops all benefit. More passengers mean more customers, new opportunities, and long-term security for many families in Terranova.
Government Action: Helping Airports and Communities Recover
Public support for aviation has been strong as the government wants to keep airports healthy and easy to reach. There are two main ways local officials have supported growth:
- New Seasonal Air Services: The government recently announced new flights that will connect St. John’s, Gander, Deer Lake, and other important sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. These routes will begin in June 2025, making travel within the province simpler. This is especially helpful for people living in smaller communities who rely on air travel for work or medical visits and for those wanting to explore Terranova without long car drives.
- Investment in Tourism and Air Access: There is also a plan called Vision 2026, which promises $15 million for efforts to attract more visitors and improve how easily people can come to and leave the province by air. These funds are for marketing Newfoundland as a tourist destination and upgrading airport infrastructure to make flying easier and more pleasant for everyone.
Leaders have stressed that with stronger air links—not only between towns in Newfoundland, but also to big Canadian cities and even international spots—Terranova can look forward to more visitors, new business investment, and better opportunities for its people.
How Newfoundland’s Airports Reflect Big Picture Trends in Canada
Canadian airports have seen different paths to recovery after the pandemic. The biggest airports in cities like Toronto and Vancouver are almost back at 98% of the capacity they had before the crisis started. This speedy return is a sign that large cities can bounce back faster because they attract more visitors and have fewer route cuts.
Smaller airports, on the other hand, have found it harder. When airlines cut routes or decrease service, places like Gander see fewer tourists and fewer options for locals. However, domestic travel—people exploring their own country—has become more popular, especially in regions like Atlantic Canada. This shift helps airports in Terranova fill seats, even if international travel is still recovering.
Changes in How People Travel and What They Are Looking For
Since the pandemic, people’s travel habits have changed. Many families stopped taking vacations in far-off places, instead choosing local adventures. This new trend has helped regions like Newfoundland since its natural beauty and small communities appeal to people wanting something new and safe.
Airports in Terranova benefit from these changes. The Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s is often the first stop for tourists coming to hike along the rugged coast, fish in clear streams, or see whales and icebergs. The Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander, with its long history as a stopover between Europe and North America, finds new purpose as a gateway for explorers interested in less crowded destinations.
Challenges That Remain
Despite the positive trends, there are still problems to solve. Some routes that once connected Gander to other cities have not returned. Fewer flights mean it’s sometimes harder to travel for work, study, or emergencies. Local leaders and businesses continue to ask airlines and policymakers to fill these service gaps.
At the same time, as more travelers return, there is a need to invest even more in airport facilities—making sure they are modern, comfortable, and equipped to keep up with new health and security standards. The $15 million investment as part of Vision 2026 is a start, but many believe ongoing updates will be needed, especially as global travel grows busier.
Economic Benefits: What’s at Stake for Residents
For many families in Terranova, the rebound at the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander is about more than just numbers. It means:
- More Jobs: Airports and airlines hire ground staff, security, cleaning crews, customer service, and more.
- Business Growth: Local companies can sell products to new visitors or even ship goods out of the province more easily.
- Tourism Dollars: Every visitor to Terranova spends money on lodging, food, transportation, and local shops.
- Community Connections: Quicker and easier air routes help families stay in touch and help people access services in other regions.
All of these benefits add up, pumping more than a billion dollars into the local economy each year.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and International Students?
For newcomers to Canada 🇨🇦 or students thinking about provincial universities, having strong airports is important. Easy access to domestic and international routes makes it simpler for people from other countries to visit Terranova, study there, or build a new life. With the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander working stronger than ever, the province can welcome a diverse group of people from all over the world, adding new cultures and ideas to local communities.
Many immigrants and students look at airport access when choosing where to settle or study. Improved air service means Terranova is a more attractive option for people wanting to connect to other parts of Canada 🇨🇦 or return home to visit family during holidays.
What Travellers Should Know About These Airports
Travelers planning a trip to Newfoundland can expect an easy and welcoming arrival at both the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and the Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander. Both airports offer customs services, connections to ground transportation, and clear signage for newcomers.
For more details on entry requirements, customs, or immigration for visits to Canada 🇨🇦, travelers can visit the official page of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Those interested in up-to-date schedules and airport information should also check the official websites for the St. John’s International Airport and Gander International Airport. These sites provide news about arrivals and departures, airline changes, and services at each airport.
The Importance of Regional Airports in Building Stronger Futures
With the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s approaching or even exceeding its old passenger highs, and the Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander making solid progress each year, the foundation for a brighter future is clear. More flights and more choices mean the people of Terranova can take part in national and international events, see loved ones, and grow businesses at home.
Provincial projects like Vision 2026 show that local leaders understand how vital these airports are. By investing in better air service and improved airport facilities, Terranova is positioning itself not just as a tourist hotspot but also as a powerful piece of Canada’s 🇨🇦 transportation puzzle.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for St. John’s, Gander, and All of Newfoundland
The coming years promise even more change. With new routes promised for June 2025 and ongoing marketing to attract travelers, Terranova’s airports are set to become even busier, making it easier for locals and newcomers to come, go, and grow. Every plane landing or taking off at the Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and the Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander is a sign of hope for families, students, immigrants, and businesses alike.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the story of these airports’ recovery is about more than getting people from Point A to Point B. It reflects the strong will of local people, the determination of leaders, and the natural beauty and promise of Terranova itself. In the end, these rising numbers mean the door is open once again—for new adventures, new neighbors, and a stronger, more connected province for everyone.
Whether you are booking a ticket, planning a business meeting, or thinking about moving to this beautiful part of Canada 🇨🇦, the improved Aeropuerto Internacional de St. John’s and Aeropuerto Internacional de Gander are ready to welcome you. Their growing passenger traffic is a sign that Terranova is once again wide open to the world, and that everyone—residents, visitors, students, and immigrants—has something to gain from this aviation comeback.
Aprende Hoy
Pre-pandemia → Período anterior a la pandemia de COVID-19, usado para comparar cifras actuales con situaciones normales.
Servicios Aéreos Estacionales → Rutas aéreas que operan solo en ciertas épocas del año, como verano o temporadas altas.
Marketing Turístico → Estrategias diseñadas para promocionar un destino y atraer mayor cantidad de visitantes y turistas.
Impacto Económico → Consecuencias financieras y laborales que algo, como un aeropuerto, genera sobre una comunidad local.
Visión 2026 → Plan del gobierno de Terranova para potenciar turismo y aviación, con inversiones y nuevas iniciativas estratégicas.
Este Artículo en Resumen
Los aeropuertos de Terranova marcan recuperación, con St. John’s volviendo a cifras pre-pandemia y Gander creciendo establemente. El gobierno impulsa nuevas rutas y $15 millones en turismo desde junio de 2025, beneficiando economía, empleo, inmigrantes y viajeros. La conectividad y el optimismo regresan a Terranova con más oportunidades para todos.
— Por VisaVerge.com
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