Planning a trip soon? Here's what's changed at the airport since COVID-19 kicked-in - HalifaxToday.ca

Nova Scotia has opened up its borders to Canada.

We are now in Phase 3 of our reopening plan and fully immunized people from provinces or territories outside of Atlantic Canada can come to Nova Scotia without having to self-isolate.

That means two weeks following a second dose of COVID-19, friends and family living in other parts of the country can visit us and we can hop on a plane and go see them without having to quarantine upon return.

It's been well over a year since most of us have needed to go to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and, like every other facility, COVID-19 has changed the way it operates.

HalifaxToday.ca contacted Halifax International Airport Authority spokesperson Leah Batstone to outline what you need to know.

Picking up a friend or relative

If you are picking someone up, you're probably used to going in and waiting for them outside of the baggage claim, but that currently isn't allowed.

"The terminal building is closed to anyone who is not a worker or a traveller," Batstone said. "People aren't permitted to come inside to the arrivals area and greet their family and friends."

"We're asking everyone to remain outside in one of the designated waiting areas along the curb, so that would be along the lower road area where you'd go for a rental car. There is a waiting area there for passenger pick-up, so we'd just like everyone to wait there."

Masks, distancing and cleaning

We're now all used to wearing masks in public and keeping our distance from others. These measures are also required at the airport.

Batstone said masks are mandatory in both the terminal building and the parkade.

"But there may be times during the travel process where you may actually be asked to lower your mask, which some people don't realize, but it's part of the identification process," she explained. "Otherwise, it's meant to be worn throughout your entire travel journey."

"We also have physical distancing markers in place to allow for that when possible, and there are hand sanitizer stations in place throughout the building in high traffic areas."

Batstone said enhanced cleaning procedures in place.

"Since last March, we've had additional cleaning staff on site working pretty much around the clock to try and make sure the building is as clean as possible. That includes sanitizing those high touch areas, like elevator buttons, washrooms, railing and things like that."

Getting to and from the airport

If you want to drive yourself to the airport, you can't use the Park'N Fly lot as it's currently closed, but the parkade remains open.

"There are some levels that are closed off because of maintenance and the low passenger volume, but there's the exterior lot next to the parkade that people are allowed to use," explained Batstone.

You can still take a cab. 

Halifax Transit's airport bus is also running, but anyone who has to self-isolate isn't allowed to take it, which includes travellers from outside Atlantic Canada who have only had one vaccine, or who haven't had any doses.

Shops and restaurants

Before we get into the details, the main thing you probably need to know is that the Tim Hortons past security is closed, "so if you want your fix, you have to get it before you go through security," Batstone recommended.

"It is important for people to know, if they haven't been here in a while, they might not see the same businesses open that they would expect," she added.

But there are spots to grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping while waiting for your flight.

"Before you go through security, there are some options there for fast food, and Hudson offers chips, drinks and snacks," Batstone stated.

And the Liquid Assets location post-security is still open if you want to bring some local beer, wine and spirits with you to your destination.

As more passengers return to the airport, more stores will open, but for now, here's where you can shop or eat:

Pre-Security

• A&W
• Hudson
• Tim Hortons
• Subway

Post-Security

• Booster Juice
• Connected Coffee
• The Firkin & Flyer
• Hudson
• Liquid Assets

Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form and voluntary testing

Travellers from outside of Atlantic Canada will need to upload proof of vaccination when filling out the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form. They might also need to show that proof when arriving in the province.

Batstone said the provincial screening process is set up after baggage claim.

"There's been provincial staff on site and they verify people's documentation, their check-in form, so the province manages that piece," she said. "Once the traveller goes through that process, the next step is the voluntary PCR COVID-19 testing."

Passengers are handed a self-swab kit, which has to be done within 48 hours and then dropped off at a primary assessment centre.

For incoming travellers who are still subject to mandatory testing, this counts as the first required test.

Where can I fly?

Before COVID-19 kicked in Haligonians could fly direct to 46 locations on 17 airlines. That was cut back to only four destinations on two airlines. The airport hopes that quickly changes.

"We know there's a lot of pent-up demand when you consider that, in Atlantic Canada, a lot of people here haven't seen family and friends in over a year," Batstone said. "And there's lots of people from other parts of Canada that want to come visit."

She said service is already starting to return for several destinations.

"Over the next coming days we have return of service to Gander, Deer Lake, Goose Bay, Sydney and Edmonton," she stated. "So we're starting to see some of that service come back, and that's based on demand and the easing of travel restrictions."

"As the reopening plan continues and more and more people are vaccinated, we expect that will continue to increase."

International flights are currently restricted by the federal government to the country's four largest airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.

"So that's good for people to know. If they want to travel to an international or U.S. destination, they'll have to have a connection at some point," Batstone said.

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Planning a trip soon? Here's what's changed at the airport since COVID-19 kicked-in - HalifaxToday.ca
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