Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is not just an airport, but the main aerial gateway to Atlantic Canada and the heart of aviation in the province of Nova Scotia. Located in the picturesque countryside, it serves as a starting point for exploring the amazing nature and culture of Canada's east coast. Since its opening in 1960, the airport has been constantly developing, offering passengers a high level of comfort and a wide range of destinations, making it the eighth busiest airport in the country.

Halifax Stanfield Airport is renowned for its attention to detail and passenger comfort. Here, travellers can utilise free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, visit numerous cafes and restaurants offering both quick snacks and full meals, and browse through the shops. An information centre operates for visitors to the region, where maps and brochures about local attractions can be obtained. One of the unique features is the observation deck, offering a beautiful view of the runways — an ideal place to see off loved ones or simply watch the aircraft. The airport regularly receives high ratings for service quality, confirming its reputation as one of the most welcoming in North America.

Below is the essential contact information for Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official website: halifaxstanfield.ca — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information desk phone: +1 902-873-4422.
• Airport address: 1 Bell Blvd, Enfield, Nova Scotia, B2T 1K2, Canada.
• Email: For most inquiries, the airport suggests using the dedicated contact form on its official website in the "Contact Us" section.
• Social media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost luggage information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact the airline directly. Carrier contacts are usually available on their official websites or at counters in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger support service: For general questions and assistance within the terminal, you can contact the information desk by phone or speak to staff at the information counters.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is conveniently located approximately 35 kilometres from the centre of Halifax, and several modes of transport are available for travel to or from the city. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport: The most economical method is the Halifax Transit No. 320 MetroX express bus. It runs between the airport and the city centre, making several stops at key points. The journey takes approximately 50-60 minutes, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. The buses are modern, comfortable, and equipped with luggage space.

Taxis and Transfers: For maximum convenience and speed, you can use taxi services or ride-sharing apps (such as Uber). A car journey to the city centre will take about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This is the most expensive option, but it is ideal for those travelling with family, a large number of suitcases, or those who simply prefer comfort and a direct door-to-door route.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings and travel around the province of Nova Scotia, renting a car would be the best solution. Counters of leading rental companies are located directly in the airport terminal. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, various parking options are provided: a covered parking garage (Parkade) for short-term parking and more affordable long-term outdoor parking lots. It is recommended to check the rates in advance and, if possible, book a spot online to save money.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. The main thing to know is that the airport has just one main terminal that handles all domestic, international, and transborder flights to the USA. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. It is divided into two main levels:

• Upper Level (Departures): Here you will find check-in counters for all airlines, baggage drop-off points, and the main entrance to the security screening area.
• Lower Level (Arrivals): All passengers arrive here. This level houses baggage claim areas, customs control, and exits to taxis, buses, and parking lots.

Although there is only one terminal, the departure area after passing security is divided into three sectors depending on your flight destination. Be sure to pay attention to the signs to proceed to the correct boarding gates:

• Domestic: For flights within Canada.
• International: For all destinations except the USA.
• USA Preclearance: One of the key features of the airport. Passengers flying to the United States undergo US immigration and customs control right in Halifax. This means that upon arrival at the American airport, your flight will be treated as domestic, which significantly saves time.

To complete all formalities, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. Standard recommendations are: 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international or transborder flight to the USA. The airport is not very large, so queues for check-in and security usually move quickly, but extra time will allow you to avoid rushing. Navigation inside the terminal is simple thanks to clear signage in English and French.

The history of Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) began on June 1, 1960, when it was officially opened, replacing an outdated civil airfield. Originally known as Halifax International Airport, it was renamed in 2005 in honour of Robert L. Stanfield, a respected Premier of Nova Scotia and prominent federal politician. This renaming was a tribute to one of the region's most famous statesmen.

One of the most significant moments in the airport's history occurred on September 11, 2001. As part of Operation Yellow Ribbon, when US airspace was closed, Halifax Airport received 40 diverted international flights — more than any other airport in Canada. Over several days, airport staff and city residents offered a warm welcome and provided shelter to thousands of passengers from around the world, which became a shining example of local hospitality and went down in history as the "plane people" event.

Since its opening, the airport has gone through several stages of expansion and modernization to meet growing passenger traffic and modern requirements. In the early 2000s, a major reconstruction of the terminal was carried out. An important step was the opening of the U.S. Preclearance area in 2006, allowing passengers flying to the United States to clear all formalities right in Halifax, arriving at American airports as domestic passengers.

Halifax Stanfield Airport has repeatedly received awards for its high level of passenger service, regularly ranking at the top of Airport Service Quality (ASQ) ratings. Among interesting facts, YHZ became one of the first airports in North America to implement a fully automated self-service baggage drop system. Today, it remains a key transport hub for all of Atlantic Canada, continuing to develop and improve service quality for its guests.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and pleasant as possible. The terminal provides all necessary conditions for both business travellers and tourists with families.

You can have a snack or a full lunch at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants. Here you will find both popular fast-food chains and establishments offering local cuisine and fresh seafood. Numerous shops, including Duty Free, offer souvenirs, travel essentials, Canadian delicacies, and products from local artisans.

For comfortable waiting, the airport has several lounges, including the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge for business class passengers and loyalty program members. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you to stay connected at all times.

ATMs and currency exchange bureaus are located in various parts of the terminal for your convenience. First aid assistance is available if needed. For passengers with young children, special nursing rooms and family restrooms are equipped, which significantly simplifies travelling with little ones.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is provided upon prior request. If you need to rest between flights, the Alt Hotel Halifax Airport is located directly opposite the terminal building, connected to it by a covered walkway. Additionally, services for business travellers, including conference rooms and work areas, are available at the airport.

At Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), travellers will find diverse dining options to suit any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee before departure or want to leisurely enjoy local dishes, there is plenty to choose from.

Before Security (Landside): The selection of establishments focuses on convenience and speed. Here you will find the famous Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons, where you can order coffee, sandwiches, and fresh pastries. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for early departures, as the coffee shop often operates around the clock or from early morning until late at night.

After Security (Airside): In the departure area, passengers have access to a wider assortment of cafes and restaurants. For a full lunch or dinner, you can visit one of the pubs or restaurants, for example, Legends Nova Scotia Lounge or Maritime Ale House. Here you will be offered classics of the Maritime provinces of Canada: hearty seafood chowder, lobster rolls, or fresh oysters accompanied by local beverages. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the region's gastronomy without leaving the airport.

For those short on time, fast food outlets and coffee shops also operate in the departure area. Besides the aforementioned Tim Hortons, there are other options for a quick snack where you can take away sandwiches, salads, juices, and smoothies. The price range at the airport varies: from budget offers in fast-food chains to higher prices in full-service restaurants, which is standard for most airports.

Travellers with special dietary needs will also be able to find suitable options. Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten-free options upon request. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the establishment's staff. Finding certified Halal dishes might be challenging, but some establishments may offer suitable seafood or vegetarian options from their menu.

Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: main cafes open early in the morning and close after the last departure, while restaurants begin service closer to lunch time. Thus, you will always have the opportunity to refresh yourself before your journey.

To ensure your journey through Halifax Stanfield International Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, it is useful to know a few nuances. Plan your time with a margin: arrive approximately 2 hours before departure for domestic destinations and at least 3 hours before an international flight. This will allow you to pass all formalities without rushing. Try to check in for your flight online so that you only need to drop off your luggage at the airport. When passing security control in Halifax, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your carry-on luggage in advance.

Pay special attention to carry-on luggage rules. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Before travelling, be sure to check your airline's rules to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember that batteries and portable power banks should be carried only in carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your priorities. A window seat is the best choice for those who love gazing at clouds and views of the earth. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin without disturbing neighbours. If you are not flying alone, book tickets in advance to get seats together.

If you have a transfer planned, find the number of your next boarding gate on the information screens immediately upon arrival. The airport is relatively small and straightforward, which simplifies transit. Travellers arriving in Canada from other countries will need to pass customs control. Have your passport ready and be prepared to answer the border officer's standard questions about the purpose of your visit and duration of stay.

A few simple hacks can help save time and money. It is more profitable to book parking on the airport territory online in advance. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains for free. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport to help you stay connected.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for the most current information. To pass the time, you can have a snack in one of the numerous cafes, browse the shops, or go up to the observation deck on the third floor, which offers an interesting view of the runway. There are also plenty of power outlets in the terminal for charging your devices.