OCTOBER 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – Today, Niagara District Airport (the “Airport”) released its 2025 – 2045 Master Plan, a community-informed roadmap that presents a bold, sustainable vision for the next 20 years.
The Master Plan outlines the path forward in transforming the Airport from a general aviation hub into a modern regional gateway, bringing commercial passenger flights to the heart of the region, and unlocking significant growth in Niagara’s tourism industry. The Airport’s redevelopment is projected to generate more than $1 billion in economic output and bring over seven million passengers through the region over the course of the plan – a transformative step forward in enhancing Niagara’s connectivity and economic vitality.
Several upgrades to the Airport terminal building and grounds are necessary to support this growth, including additional parking, extending the main runway and terminal building, and establishing Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and Canada Border Services Agency amenities.
“As one of Canada’s top tourism regions, Niagara deserves an airport that makes it convenient for national and international visitors to enjoy our region’s wineries, restaurants, and attractions,” said Greg Wight, Chair of the Niagara District Airport Commission. “What makes our Airport’s opportunity unique is the unmatched location. The vision outlined in our Master Plan demonstrates how strategic, sustainable investments in air access to Niagara will boost tourism, strengthen our regional economy, and position the Airport as an indispensable gateway to our region and beyond.”
Centrally located in the region and just a 12 minute drive to historic old town Niagara-on-the-Lake, downtown St. Catharines, and the world-famous Niagara Falls, the Airport is uniquely positioned to become a vital aviation hub for the region’s half-a-million residents and 12 million annual visitors. While tourism growth in Niagara has remained relatively flat since 2013 (excluding pandemic-related impacts), the Master Plan sees improved air access – including direct commercial flights – as an opportunity to attract new visitor markets, such as more overnight visitors, to help boost the region’s tourism economy.
At completion of the plan, the Airport will be positioned to accommodate nearly 600,000 passengers annually. Modernizing the Airport means more jobs for local workers, more customers for Niagara businesses, and an overall enhanced visitor experience, offering people more reasons to stay and enjoy all the region has to offer.
The Master Plan includes input from Niagara residents, local businesses, tourism and industry leaders, municipal representatives, Airport staff, Airport businesses and user groups, and government agencies. Feedback was gathered through interviews, public information sessions, and a project website.
With the Niagara District Airport Commission’s approval of the Master Plan, the Airport is moving forward with next steps as outlined in the plan. This includes pursuing funding strategies, engaging with airline carriers, and launching community engagement initiatives to keep the public informed and involved.
Public Information Session
Residents, business owners, community members, and media are invited to attend the upcoming public information session on November 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the Master Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Master Plan and Executive Summary
The Niagara District Airport 2025 – 2045 Master Plan, as well as its Executive Summary document, is available on the Airport’s website: www.niagaradistrictairport.ca.
Quotes
“We’re the biggest population in Canada without regular daily scheduled flights. This is the road map to get us there.” – Mayor Jim Diodati, City of Niagara Falls
“The Master Plan presents an exciting vision for Niagara’s future, and it’s a vision that recognizes the Airport’s unique potential to strengthen our economy and expand access to the region. While there’s still important work ahead to ensure this vision is realized responsibly and sustainably, today marks a meaningful step toward unlocking new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” – Mayor Mat Siscoe, City of St. Catharines
"The release of the Niagara District Airport's Master Plan is an important step in shaping the future direction of this regional asset. The Niagara District Airport continues to play a key role in fostering local connectivity and economic growth, and the Town is committed to continued collaboration with our municipal partners to review the plan and identify opportunities that best serve our residents, businesses, and the broader community.” – Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
“At the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), we believe that the Niagara District Airport holds transformative economic potential for our region. Niagara’s tourism sector has become world-class even without a full commercial airport in the region; with the developments outlined in the plan, it could become world-leading. The benefits, however, would not be limited to tourism alone – a number of sectors would experience significant growth, creating opportunities that extend across the broader economy and, with that, to the people of Niagara. The impact on economic growth, jobs, and prosperity for Niagara would be substantial. On behalf of the Niagara business community it is our privilege to represent, we fully support this plan.” – Mishka Balsom, CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
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About Niagara District Airport
Niagara District Airport (YCM) is a regional transportation hub located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Airport serves as a premier gateway to the Niagara region’s award-winning wineries, theatres, golf courses, casinos, and the world-famous Niagara Falls. Strategically positioned near major tourism, business, and wine destinations, YCM plays a key role in enhancing regional connectivity and future growth. The Airport is owned by the City of Niagara Falls, City of St. Catharines, and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and governed by a nine-member commission. Follow the Airport on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Megan McRae, Communications Manager
(905) 684-7447 x106 | Send Email