HAMILTON — It was a year of tremendous growth for John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), which in 2017 became the fastest growing airport in all of Canada.

Passenger traffic grew by 80% with 599,146 passengers in 2017, compared to 333,368 passengers in 2016. In addition, YHM maintains its position as Canada’s largest overnight express cargo airport; in 2017, its cargo volume increased 13%.

“This is an exciting time for Hamilton International as more passengers discover the ease and convenience of travelling from Hamilton,” said Cathie Puckering, Acting President & CEO, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. “The passengers are originating from Hamilton and surrounding areas including Toronto and beyond, thanks to the wide variety of destinations being served from Hamilton. In addition, low-cost carriers have opened leisure air travel to millennials and young families, which can be seen in our airport terminal daily.”

With new services planned for 2018, YHM is expecting passenger traffic to continue to grow in the future. Last year, the airport invested nearly $5 million to improve and upgrade facilities, including a new covered and heated international walkway, improved vehicle parking pay stations, rehabilitating roadways and runways, as well as renovating its Duty-Free location.