Note: This is the Government of Ontario's media release. Please read the original release on their website.
JULY 20, 2026
The Ontario government is investing nearly $10 million to help transform Niagara District Airport into a modern regional gateway capable of supporting future commercial passenger service. The investment will support design work and critical infrastructure upgrades, unlocking Niagara’s full potential as a world-renowned tourism destination while supporting local businesses, creating good-paying jobs and driving economic growth across the region.
“Niagara is a major contributor to Ontario’s economy, and our government is investing in transportation infrastructure that will allow one of the most renowned tourist destinations on the planet to continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our nearly $10-million investment in Niagara’s airport will support improved passenger air services, helping to make it faster and easier for millions of tourists to visit Niagara each year.”
This investment will advance Niagara District Airport's master plan, a 20-year vision to transform the airport into a modern regional gateway. Work includes terminal upgrades, new service buildings and improvements to taxiways, aprons and runway infrastructure needed to support future growth.
"This $10 million investment to advance the expansion of Niagara District Airport is another example of how our government continues to bring critical infrastructure dollars and good-paying jobs to Niagara,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “This support for our regional airport is part of the Destination Niagara Strategy and our plan to protect Ontario by not only attracting more visitors from across North America, but around the globe."
Last fall, the province launched its Destination Niagara Strategy, a multibillion-dollar plan to create new world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network. The strategy aims to attract 25 million visitors a year and double the region’s tourism impact to generate an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP. The strategy includes plans to improve highway, transit and air access to the Niagara region.
Quick Facts
- Niagara welcomes more than 13 million visitors each year, with the region’s $3-billion tourism industry supporting more than 40,000 jobs.
- Ontario is moving forward to twin the QEW’s Garden City Skyway bridge, a key link in the province’s highway network that connects Niagara Region’s three international bridge crossings with the United States to the rest of Ontario and supports the movement of more than $1.1 trillion in goods through the Greater Golden Horseshoe each year.
- The province has improved GO Train access to Niagara Falls by completing major upgrades to West Harbour GO Station and opening Confederation GO Station. GO rail service to Niagara Falls is currently offered seven days a week with six weekday trips and eight weekend trips between Union Station and Niagara Falls.
Quotes
"This is a key piece of the plan to ensure Niagara is set to reach its full potential! We can’t wait for Niagara District Airport to become a go-to hub for passenger air travel and to connect Niagara to major destinations around the globe."
- Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls
"Today’s investment is a transformative moment for the Niagara District Airport and our entire region. Modernizing our airport is about more than infrastructure, it's about creating new opportunities for residents, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors from around the world, and laying the foundation for future commercial passenger service. This investment will help unlock Niagara’s full tourism potential, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our regional economy for generations to come. We are grateful for the province's partnership and commitment to our community's future."
- Mat Siscoe, Mayor, City St. Catharines
"The Niagara District Airport is a valuable asset jointly owned by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the City of Niagara Falls, and the City of St. Catharines, and today's investment reflects its growing importance. Thoughtful expansion has the potential to strengthen regional connectivity, improve travel options for local residents, reduce pressure on transportation corridors like the QEW, and further unlock the economic opportunities created through Destination Niagara. As our region continues to emerge as one of Ontario's next engines of economic growth, investments like this help ensure we're ready to seize those opportunities together."
- Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor, Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake
"Today’s investment is a major step forward for Niagara District Airport and the Niagara region. With the province’s support, we are advancing the planning and design work that underpins our vision for the airport — to strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism and economic growth, and enhance Niagara’s ability to compete for investment, businesses and visitors. We thank the Government of Ontario for its partnership and commitment to Niagara’s long-term success."
- Greg Wight, Chair, Niagara District Airport Commission