New non-stop flight from Halifax to Belgium takes off

An Air Canada plane takes off from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A new non-stop flight from Halifax to Brussels, Belgium took off Thursday.

The service, launched by Air Canada, will operate three times a week from June 18 to Sept. 5. Flights will depart for Brussels on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and return on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

“We are proud to welcome Brussels to Halifax Stanfield’s growing network of international destinations and are grateful to Air Canada for their continued investment in our region,” said Joyce Carter, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority.

“Each new international route strengthens our ties to the world, helping Atlantic Canada remain connected, competitive, and builds on Halifax Stanfield’s position as the most internationally connected airport of its size in North America.”

As Belgium’s capital city, Brussels is known for its history, architecture and culinary scene. It is also major centre for international business, diplomacy, and innovation, according to the Halifax International Airport Authority.

“The new service also creates convenient access to onward destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, while attracting more international visitors to Atlantic Canada and supporting tourism, local businesses, and economic growth across the region,” reads a news release from the Halifax International Airport Authority.

Nova Scotia’s Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc believes the province’s long-standing ties to Belgium make the new route “especially meaningful.”

“It will strengthen relationships, boost trade and tourism, and open new opportunities for collaboration. Stronger links to Europe mean better access to global markets, stronger partnerships, and new momentum for our economy,” said LeBlanc in the release.

“As a centre for international business, public policy and defence, Brussels also offers valuable opportunities to attract investment and connect Nova Scotian businesses and institutions with global partners. This flight is a critical link, and beginning today, I am excited to see the connections that will be made on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Halifax Stanfield International Airport now has 15 nonstop flights to Europe:

• Amsterdam with WestJet, up to 6x weekly from April 30 to Oct. 9.
• Barcelona with WestJet, 4x weekly from May 17 to Oct. 22.
• Brussels with Air Canada, 3x weekly from June 18 to Sept. 5.
• Copenhagen with WestJet, 4x weekly from May 28 to Sept. 27.
• Dublin with WestJet, 4x weekly from April 26 to Oct. 23.
• Edinburgh with WestJet, 3x weekly from April 27 to Oct. 3.
• Frankfurt with Discover Airlines, up to 6x weekly from March 29 to Nov. 19.
• London (Gatwick) with WestJet, 3x weekly from April 27 to Oct. 7.
• London (Heathrow) with Air Canada, up to 1x daily year-round.
• Lisbon with WestJet, 5x weekly from May 1 to Oct. 23.
• Madrid with WestJet, 4x weekly from May 15 to Oct. 12.
• Paris with WestJet, 4x weekly from April 26 to Oct. 23.
• Reykjavik with Icelandair, 2x weekly from June 4 to Oct. 18.
• Saint Pierre with Air Saint-Pierre, 4x weekly from June to August. 3x weekly from September to May.
• Zurich with Edelweiss, 2x weekly from June 4 to Oct. 18.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page