Airport Improvement Fee to Increase at Victoria International Airport
As Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) prepares for growth, it will be increasing its Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) from the current $15.00 per departing passenger to $25.00, for all tickets sold on or after April 1, 2024, for travel from the airport after May 1, 2024.
Last adjusted in 2015, AIF funds have supported significant investments and improvements to passenger and airline related infrastructure in the terminal building and airfield. However, since 2015 over $15 million more has been invested in AIF-eligible capital projects than has been collected with the fee.
“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.”
VAA’s Masterplan, which was released in early 2023, provides a long-term strategy for the development of the airport to meet the growth that is predicted for the region and all of Vancouver Island. The plan identified almost $600 million in capital investments that could be required, equating to an average of $30 million a year over the next 20 years.
“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.”
As Vancouver Island’s largest airport, it is forecasted that the Victoria International Airport will reach over three million total passengers by 2042, representing 50 percent more than its peak period pre-pandemic level. The investments planned will be guided by responsible stewardship that meet future growth with exceptional facilities.
The $10.00 increase only impacts departing passengers and is administrated by the air carriers at the time of ticketing.
About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the 11th busiest airport in Canada and has been rated one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel. Winner of the Best Regional Airport in North America award by Airports Council International in 2012, 2014, and 2020, YYJ provides a safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient airport that creates prosperity for our region by connecting Greater Victoria with the world. Victoria Airport Authority has managed the operations at YYJ on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.
Media Contact – Victoria Airport Authority
Rod Hunchak – Director, Business Development and Community Relations
Phone: 250-953-7514
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