Nanaimo Airport breaks ground on US$11.6m expansion

Canada’s Nanaimo Airport has broken ground on construction of its C$15m (US$11.6m) expansion, which is set to extend the terminal building and create business and investment opportunities.

The construction will add 14,000ft² to the terminal, expanding its footprint by almost 60%. An expanded security area will help passengers pass through the process quickly, and a larger departure lounge will see the seat numbers more than double to 320 units.

Ground was broken on the infrastructure project by the Nanaimo Airport Commission and the federal and provincial governments, both of which contributed C$2.48m (US$1.93m).

Lucie Gosselin, board chair of the Nanaimo Airport, said, “We are 10 years ahead of passenger forecasts and this investment will help us expand to ensure we continue to delivery great service to our customers.

“The Nanaimo Airport Commission appreciates the support provided by the government of Canada and the provincial government for public infrastructure projects, through the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund Program.

The new terminal will help cater to the growing demand for flights to and from the hub, with the airport’s visitor numbers growing for eight consecutive years and more than 390,000 passengers expected to pass through its gates in 2018.

Mike Hooper, CEO and president of Nanaimo Airport, said, “As the Central Island’s gateway to the world, we know hundreds of thousands of people rely on us for safe, convenient and comfortable travel.

“We have carefully planned this expansion to ensure we continue to provide exceptional customer experience during the construction period. By expanding, we will be better able to meet the needs of our region today and for the next generations.”