Planning for What Comes Next

Yes. Significant studies have been done to date that explore the feasibility of growing Niagara District Airport to welcome scheduled commercial service.

An Economic Impact Study, Airport Zoning Regulations, Route Development Study, Financial Modeling, and Airport Safeguarding (including Noise Mitigation) were all completed as part of the 2025-2045 Master Plan. Additional work, including master site servicing, geotechnical explorations, and environmental assessments is being completed as part of the recent $10 million in funding received from the Government of Ontario, announced in July 2026.

The Province also has the Niagara Air Access Feasibility Study underway, which was first announced as part of the Province’s 2025 Budget. The study is exploring opportunities to improve air access to the Niagara region, with the objective of helping inform decision making on investments related to air-related transportation infrastructure.

Additional older studies, including feasibility studies and businesses cases, are available in the Reports & Publications section on our website.

Niagara District Airport regularly receives many types of aircraft from all over North America. Examples include single-engine planes (Cessnas, Pipers, King Air), turboprops (Q400), helicopters, military aircraft, light to medium-sized jets.

In 2025, the airport had 40,000 movements, with over 300 jets. Our Master Plan envisions reaching approximately 50,000 annual movements, suggesting a modest increase in aircraft traffic.

After redevelopment, the airport will continue to support single-engine planes, turboprops, helicopters, and military aircraft, along with larger-sized jets, narrow-body airliners (A320, 737), and regional jets (Bombardier CRJ, Embraer E195).

Redeveloping Niagara District Airport will support the growth of tourism, improve travel access, and create good-paying jobs in Niagara. It will unlock new economic opportunities for our the entire region, benefiting Niagara’s hotels, restaurants, wineries, entertainment venues, historic sites, and visitor attractions. 

The redevelopment project is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic output, create over 1,000 construction jobs, and provide 500 permanent jobs once the modernized airport is fully operational.

The Airport is funded by municipal contributions and generated revenues.

Of the Airport’s total 2026 budget (operating and capital) of $1.68 million, the City of St. Catharines pays 41.2% ($694k), City of Niagara Falls pays 28.4% ($479k), and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake pays 5.8% ($97k).

The 2025-2045 Master Plan outlines a path forward for the airport to introduce scheduled commercial service, supported by extensive financial modeling conducted as part of the planning process. Achieving this vision will require the support of government and/or private sector partners who share a commitment to growing Niagara's economy and tourism market. Additional opportunities for consideration include federal and provincial programs like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Building Ontario Fund.

In July 2026, the Government of Ontario announced nearly $10 million to advance redevelopment planning and design work - a significant step in advancing the project. 

The recent investment (July 2026) of nearly $10 million from the Government of Ontario is allowing the Airport to advance planning and design work for the infrastructure improvements identified in its 2025–2045 Master Plan. This includes the onboarding of necessary partners to support the detailed design work for roadway improvements, a runway extension, a parallel taxiway, a Combined Services Building, and a new Air Terminal Building. The funding is also supporting master site servicing, geotechnical and topographic surveys, environmental and regulatory requirements, and other technical work needed to move the project forward.

The Government of Ontario is currently leading the Niagara Air Access Feasibility Study (NAAFS), exploring how existing infrastructure like Niagara District Airport can be leveraged to enhance air access and connectivity to Niagara.

The last significant modernization of airport facilities occurred in 2010 with Infrastructure Stimulus Funding (combination of dollars from Federal, Provincial, and Regional levels of Government).

Land does not need to be acquired for Phase 1 of the project, however it would need to be acquired for Phase 2.

As the project moves forward, the Airport will work with relevant jurisdictions to ensure all applicable zoning and land use requirements and approval processes are followed. 

No, the runway does not need to be extended for Niagara District Airport to begin welcoming scheduled service.

The Phase 1 improvements required to accommodate increased passenger traffic include expanding the terminal to support CATSA and CBSA, building a new combined services building, and expanding parking facilities.

Our main runway would be extended from 5,000 to 7,500 ft as part of Phase 2 of the project.

Public engagement remains a priority throughout the airport’s redevelopment process. As planning and design work progresses, the Airport is committed to keeping residents, businesses, and regional partners informed while providing meaningful opportunities for community feedback and engagement.

Public Information Sessions were held throughout the development and at the launch of the Master Plan, where attendees had opportunities to share feedback that helped shape the plan. Additionally, several community presentations and tours have taken place. Additional public engagement sessions will be scheduled in the coming months to provide the community with more opportunities to engage with our team, learn more about the project, and provide feedback.

Residents can stay informed by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter, connecting with us on social media, and visiting our website for more information. Those interested in visiting the Airport can also contact our team at info@niagaradistrictairport.ca.

Our 2025-2045 Master Plan explores a number of feasible route opportunities identified in the Traffic Forecast/Route Development Study, including international and sun destinations.

Ultimately, the development of future routes will depend on airline intention and market demand.

The Master Plan envisions a modest terminal building with wood tones, flowing elements and 4 terminal gates, that blends in and reflects our environment.

Conceptual renderings:

Our team will connect with nearby property owners as the project progresses. In the meantime, we would be happy to meet with you to discuss the project and any concerns you may have. Please reach out to us at your convenience at info@niagaradistrictairport.ca. 

You can also review the Land Use Development Plan in our 2025-2045 Master Plan, which shows what existing and surrounding areas are intended to be developed in the future.

Noise management is an important part of responsible airport planning. Niagara District Airport monitors airport activity and complies with applicable regulations, using data and best practices to guide mitigation efforts.

The Master Plan has a dedicated chapter (#7) on airport safeguarding efforts, including noise management. As the project advances and planning continues, the Airport will implement an appropriate noise management program that will help to mitigate the impact of airport related noise – considering things like reducing noise at its source, land-use planning, noise mitigation procedures, and operating restrictions.

Noise-related concerns or questions can be submitted through our contact form. 

Aircraft are currently permitted to land at Niagara District Airport 24/7, while our administrative office and services such as jet fueling operate during designated business hours.

As the airport grows, our leadership team will determine appropriate hours of operation, taking into account route and market demand, and other external factors.

We invite you to subscribe to our quarterly newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay informed about project milestones and key information related to the project as it progresses.

For more timely updates, connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can also learn more through our 2025-2045 Master Plan.