Bathurst Regional Airport plans path forward

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Federal investment to boost northern New Brunswick airport

March 13, 2025 · Bathurst, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Strong and reliable air connections are vital to Atlantic Canada’s economy, tourism, and competitiveness. They play a key role in the well-being of Atlantic Canadians, connecting families, supporting trade, and attracting talent to the region.

Today, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, announced an investment of $420,000 to help the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority strengthen regional air access. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The funding will allow the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority to hire expertise to create a strategic plan for the Bathurst Regional Airport. This plan will aim to stabililize routes and carriers, ensuring essential travel for business and economic growth in the region.

This announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening regional air travel and building a resilient economy for all Canadians. 

Quotes

“Atlantic Canada needs reliable air travel to keep growing. The Bathurst Regional Airport is a key asset for northern New Brunswick, and your federal government, through ACOA, is committed to investing in projects like these that keep our communities connected and local businesses thriving.”

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

The Bathurst Regional Airport plays a vital role in our region, keeping our businesses connected and providing families with an essential link to the rest of the country. This investment, like all the others our government has made before for the airport, is a key step in securing its future and unlocking its full potential. By developing a strong strategic plan, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and new opportunities for our citizens and businesses.”

- Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst 

“The funds are welcome and will enable us to retain the services of a consultant with expertise in civil aviation management. We're looking to optimize our operating model, develop new markets and allow commercial flights to resume on a daily basis, as we're the only airport in the north of the province to offer scheduled commercial flights.”

- Alain Guitard, President, Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority Inc. 

Quick facts

  • The Bathurst Regional Airport, managed by the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority, serves a population of 150,000 and more than 5,500 businesses within a one-hour radius.

  • This announcement is in addition to a recent commitment of up to $6 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to strengthen regional air travel in Atlantic Canada.

  • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Samantha Michaud
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Samantha.michaud@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Alain Guitard
President
Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority Inc.
president@airbathurst.com

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