After the federal government privatized national airports in the 1990s, most underwent massive modernization. There is no better example than the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has invested $750 million in transforming the airport since taking control about 25 years ago.

Don and David's conversation with HIAA CEO Joyce Carter looks at the role the airport has as an economic enabler for the region, the challenges presented by the pandemic, the authority's efforts to rebuild air traffic, and the future of air travel from Halifax, especially within the region.

During the pandemic, the number of routes was reduced from 46 to just four and the airport had to take on $150 million in debt to survive. Nonetheless, Carter expects a full recovery by 2025.

The Insights podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.