Halifax Stanfield International Airport, located in Goffs, Nova Scotia, 40 kilometres from downtown Halifax, serves as Atlantic Canada’s primary full-service airport. Handling over 4 million passengers annually, it connects to 28 non-stop destinations across Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter operating key routes. Managed by the Halifax International Airport Authority since 2000, this single-terminal hub offers a welcoming and efficient experience for travellers exploring Nova Scotia or connecting to global destinations.
The passenger experience at Halifax Stanfield is designed for ease. The Air Terminal Building, opened in 1960 and expanded with a $200 million investment, handles both domestic and international flights. Arrivals typically involve a short walk from the aircraft or a quick bus transfer, with clear signage guiding passengers to baggage claim or exits. Check-in, with 80 counters and self-service kiosks, is generally smooth, though some report kiosks taking 10–15 seconds to load pages, and queues can form during peak hours.
Security screening, using advanced scanners, requires liquids in 100ml containers and electronics removed, with wait times averaging 10–20 minutes but occasionally reaching 45 minutes on busy weekends. Staff are courteous, and a free mobility assistance service, bookable 48 hours in advance, supports passengers with reduced mobility through dedicated phones at curbside and the Ground Transportation Booth. The airport’s Autism Aviators programme and Volunteer Host Tartan Team add a personal touch, assisting travellers with directions and information.
Accessing the airport is convenient, with multiple transport options. The M8 motorway connects to the airport in 25–35 minutes from Halifax’s city centre. The Halifax Transit Regional Express 320 bus, costing $4.75 (exact change required), links the airport to Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth, and Fall River in 30–45 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes from 5 am. to midnight. Maritime Bus offers daily shuttles to regional destinations like Truro for $20–$30, bookable online or at the Ground Transportation Booth.
Taxis, available 24/7 at arrivals, charge a flat rate of $64 to downtown Halifax, while ride-sharing services like Uber operate at similar rates. Car hire desks, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz, are in the lower-level parkade, with 2,300 parking spaces, including an Economy Lot with free shuttles and a cell phone waiting area to avoid fees. Traffic on Highway 102 during rush hours can slow travel, so an extra 30 minutes is advised.
The airport’s layout is intuitive, with a single terminal featuring three piers: Gates 34–46 (north) for international flights, and Gates 2–4 and 5–9 (south) for domestic and US routes. The 10,500-foot main runway and 7,700-foot secondary runway support simultaneous operations, reducing delays. Check-in and domestic arrivals are on the main level, with US check-in and preclearance (5 am–5 pm.) on the second floor. An expanded international arrivals area, opened in 2001, and a renovated central lobby, Airport Square, opened in 2003, enhance flow, though seating can be limited during peak times. Digital flight displays provide real-time updates, and the walk between farthest gates takes 10–15 minutes.
Delays are minimal, with an average additional arrival time of under three minutes, reflecting strong on-time performance. Peak periods, particularly summer and winter holidays, see increased traffic, with potential 15–30-minute delays due to weather like snow or fog, or security bottlenecks. Travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international, especially for US preclearance, which closes at 5 pm. Checking flight status via the airport’s website or apps like FlightStats is recommended.
Dining and retail options cater to diverse preferences. Airport Square and the departure lounge feature Tim Hortons, Subway, Swiss Chalet for Canadian comfort food, and East Side Mario’s for Italian dishes, open from 5 am. to 9 pm with some grab-and-go options available later. Hudson’s Bay, Relay, and iStore sell clothing, electronics, and souvenirs, with duty-free shops for international travellers. Limited options for special diets are noted, so planning ahead is wise. The Galdos VIP Lounge offers snacks and Wi-Fi for a fee.
Facilities enhance comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available with registration, and charging stations are scattered throughout. A nursing room, worship centre, and observation deck overlooking the apron add unique touches. Accessible features include lowered check-in counters, tactile ATMs, and pet relief areas, with Halifax Transit’s Access-A-Bus and accessible taxis available. The airport’s Gold Accessibility Rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation reflects its commitment to inclusivity. Baggage storage and a lost-and-found desk are in the arrivals area.
Connections benefit from the single-terminal layout, with a new International Connections Facility opening in 2025 to streamline international-to-domestic transfers without exiting customs. Minimum connection times are 45 minutes for domestic and 90 minutes for international, but self-transfers require clearing security and customs, so a two-hour buffer is advised. Popular routes to Toronto, Montreal, and London facilitate transfers, though weather or peak-time congestion can impact schedules.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport combines accessibility, modern amenities, and reliable operations, making it a pleasant gateway to Nova Scotia and beyond. Its efficient layout and thoughtful services ensure a seamless travel experience.
Westjet
WestJet’s seasonal flights to Ireland (Dublin) depart from Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s international terminal. Check-in is in the center domestic/international area, counters in center of main level (WestJet international rows)
Check-in opens 3 hours before; closes 60 minutes prior (75 for international). Online 24 hours prior; self-service for domestic, agent for international. For Dublin, use international section; arrive 3 hours early.
Departure is from international gates (20-30 for transatlantic) gates displayed 45 minutes before; commonly gate 24-28 for seasonal. Boarding 30 minutes prior; gates close 15 minutes before. App for updates; security adjacent to lobby.
