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Frequenly Asked Questions on National Airports Policy
What is the National Airports Policy (NAP)?
The NAP is a commercialization initiative that will ensure a safe, secure and
viable National Airports System that will serve Canada in the 21st century. For
the first time, this policy provides Canada with acomprehensive framework that
clearly defines the federal government's role regarding airports. Under the NAP,
the federal government will maintain its role as regulator but will change its
current role from airport owner and operator to that of owner and landlord.
Which airports will the federal government retain
ownership of?
The federal government will retain ownership of the 26 airports identified as
part of the National Airports System. However, under the NAP they will be leased
to Canadian Airport Authorities (CAAs). These local operators will be
responsible for financial and operational management.
Ownership of regional/local and other smaller airports will be transferred to
regional interests. Operating subsidies from the federal government will be
removed from these airports over a five-year period, which began on April 1,
1995. Measures will be taken to help these airports move toward
self-sufficiency. The Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) will be
available to regional/local airports.
Remote airports which provide exclusive, reliable year-round access to
isolate communities and which currently receive federal assistance will continue
to be supported.
What are the benefits/results of the NAP?
When airports are locally-owned and operated, they are able to function in a
more commercial and cost-efficient manner. In addition, they are more responsive
to local needs and are better able to match levels of service to local demands.
The NAP will shift the cost of running Canada's airports from taxpayers to
those who actually use the facilities.
The NAP will ensure that Canadian air travelers continue to be protected by
appropriate federal safety and security standards.
How will this impact the air traveller?
Among other things, current levels of service will be adjusted to meet demand.
New user fees for specific capital projects at larger airports and for the
capital and operating requirements at regional/local airports, may be introduced
by the federal government or the new operators. These measures will be necessary
to assist airports in becoming self-sufficient and in remaining viable in the
longer term.
What is the National Airports System (NAS)?
The NAS is comprised of a core network of 26 airports that currently handles 94
percent of all scheduled passenger and cargo traffic in Canada, and are the
points of origin and destination for almost all inter-provincial and
international air service in Canada. NAS airports include those in the national,
provincial and territorial capitals, as well as airports that handle at least
200,000 passengers each year. These airports link the country coast to coast, as
well as internationally.
Which airports are included in the NAS?
An airport operator can apply to become included in the NAS if the airport
operator can demonstrate that the airport can be self-sufficient and has served
inter-provincial or international flights for at least the three previous years
and carry over 200,000 passengers, and is prepared to forgo access to the
Airports Capital Assistance Program.
In British Columbia, which airports are included in the
NAS?
Kelowna
Prince George
Vancouver
Victoria
What is a satellite airport?
Satellite airports complement several of the larger international airports
within the NAS group. These airports ensure the safe and efficient operation of
the larger international airports they serve by diverting small, general
aviation (recreational and training aircraft) away from the larger airport.
In British Columbia, which airports are considered
satellite airports?
None.
What is a regional or local airport?
Regional or local airports are defined as those sites:
- whose scheduled passenger traffic is less than 200,000 a year for three
consecutive years
- not the national capital or a provincial or territorial capital
- not classified as Arctic or remote airports
- where there is currently some form of ongoing federal financial
involvement with scheduled passenger traffic
In British Columbia, which airports are considered
regional/local airports?
Abbotsford
Campbell River
Castlegar
Comox
Cranbrook
Dawson Creek
Fort Nelson
Fort St. John
Kamloops
Nanaimo
Penticton
Port Hardy
Powell River
Prince Rupert
Quesnel
Smithers
Terrace
Williams Lake
What is a small airport?
Small airports do not have regularly scheduled passenger service. They serve
local interests only, such as general aviation and recreational flying.
In British Columbia, which airports are considered small
airports?
Boundary Bay
Lytton
Midway
Pitt Meadows
Princeton
Salmo
Tofino
Vanderhoof
What is a remote airport?
Airports are considered to be remote if air transportation is the only reliable
year-round mode of transportation available to the community it serves. The
communities served by remote airports are dependent on air transportation to get
the majority of their travelers and cargo in and out.
In British Columbia, which airport is considered a remote
airport?
Sandspit
What is a certified airport?
Certification (726 out of 2,000 in Canada) provides assurance that the facility
meets Transport Canada's standards for airport certification.
What are Emergency Response Services (ERS)?
ERS include firefighting resources on-site (of the airport) and/or available
from other sources, such as municipal services.
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