Passengers leaving the Victoria airport will have to pay a higher improvement fee to pay for the planned $600 million in capital investments at YYJ over the next 20 years.
The current Airport Improvement Fee will be raised from its current $15 to $25 per passenger starting on April 1. This will only be charged to passengers departing from the Victoria airport.
The Victoria Airport Authority notes the last time this fee was raised was in 2015.
“Victoria International Airport is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels of passenger travel in 2025, and revenue generated by other sources will not be enough for VAA to keep up with the ongoing infrastructure and facility improvements needed to ensure a high-quality passenger experience,” said Cathie Ounsted, Victoria Airport Authority board chair.
“Increasing the AIF will ensure that other revenue sources are available for sustainable and environmentally responsible initiatives that support commerce, tourism and community well-being across Vancouver Island.”
The Victoria Airport Authority’s masterplan identified the projects which will average a cost of $30 million per year over 20 years.
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The majority of the planned improvements are for the terminal, with the cost of those expected to be nearly $262 million. The airfield is slated to receive $99 million in improvements and the landside receiving $92.45 million.
Terminal improvements between 2023-2032 include expansions to support the growth for aircraft gates, the check-in area, the inbound and outbound baggage systems, and international and Canadian Border Security Agency screening areas.
For the airfield in the same time period, improvements will include safety areas at the runway ends, upgrades to the lighting for runway 09, and extensions to runway 09-27 for a greater safety buffer for long-haul flights and potential future international flights.
On the landside, plans include parking expansion and continuing to improve the recreational path and supporting areas.
“The increase in AIF will enable us to prepare for the anticipated growth and fiscally manage the capital investments necessary to meet the future demand and expectations of our passengers and airport service partners,” said Elizabeth M. Brown, Victoria Airport Authority president and CEO.
“This increase will allow us to be both strategic and intentional with our investments in infrastructure improvements. It is important that we continue to provide an outstanding passenger experience for travellers and a welcoming airport for the community.”
The $25 fee will be added by air carriers at the time of ticketing.
Laura Brougham
