St. John’s Airport Fees Highest in Atlantic Canada, Deter Low-Cost Carriers

St. John’s International Airport currently charges the highest airport improvement fee in the Atlantic region and the second highest in the country. The push to attract new airlines and routes faces a barrier as industry analysts highlight the impact of these high fees on potential carriers. With St. John’s fees significantly higher than other Atlantic Canadian airports, concerns arise that these costs could deter airlines from entering the local market. Aviation experts emphasize how airport improvement fees can drive up ticket prices, influencing decisions for carriers like Flair Airlines. Despite successful routes, delays in entering the Newfoundland market were attributed to these fees. While the airport justifies the charges due to operational expenses, concerns persist about the long-term impact on air service accessibility in the region. With ongoing investments and rising fees, the debate around balancing financial needs with market competitiveness continues in the aviation industry.