Extended runway fully operational

Right on schedule, the newly extended main runway (05/23) at Halifax Stanfield International Airport is fully operational today. Construction to lengthen the runway to 10,500 feet is now substantially complete. The runway is open and being used.

Since September 26, 2011, work has been underway to extend the runway by 1,700 feet, with 1,330 feet added to the south end (by Old Guysborough Road) and 370 feet at the north end (toward Enfield).

Work included excavation, backfilling, and paving, associated airfield electrical and lighting components, connecting service roads, relocation and replacement of major navigational aids on both runway ends, and replacement of the Category II high intensity approach lighting system at the north end of the runway.

Flight operations began early this morning with the following first flights:

First cargo arrival: Flightcraft B727 at 5:09 a.m.

First cargo departure: Cargojet B727 at 5:10 a.m.

First passenger arrival: WestJet B737 flight # 228 from Calgary at 6:24 a.m.

First passenger departure: Air Canada A320 flight # 603 to Toronto at 5:50 a.m.