Over half of residents surveyed in Ontario’s Hamilton-Niagara region (55%) say that Buffalo is on their radar as a travel gateway due to less time spent than at local airports as well as lower costs, according to a new study by the Upstate New York airport. And 35 percent of residents of the Greater Toronto Area agree.
“The survey findings are in line with BUF’s projection of over one million Canadians flying from Buffalo airport this year,” says Pascal Cohen, senior marketing manager at the facility, who adds that “a substantial portion” (35%) of its originating passengers are currently Canadian.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport operates 75 daily non-stop flights to 30 destinations, with 16.5 flights daily to New York City and 6.5 flights daily to and from Orlando – two popular destinations for Canadians. And Phoenix and Nashville service is set start in April.
Resident airlines include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and Vacation Express by Sunwing.
With the resurgence of travel post-pandemic, the airport expects to return to 2019 levels by the Spring.
“What travellers see right away when they arrive here is the warmth and kindness they receive, creating an atmosphere that fosters a positive and welcoming travel experience. Canadians keep telling us they love not only the friendly greetings they receive, but the affordable parking offered within steps of the airport,” Cohen says.
According to Cohen, passengers at the airport face a mere 12 minutes on average to reach their gate – “which isn’t a reality in Toronto where long wait times are the norm.”
And opting for a domestic flight within the US eliminates the need for Customs and Immigration stops, and international taxes and fees.
Recognizing travel challenges, the airport also enhances passenger experience through real-time updates on its website regarding traffic situations.
“Southern Ontarians have to bear some of the highest travel costs in the country,” Cohen says, “and we are here to offer an alternative for them to save on their vacation by flying from across the border and receiving a seamless travel experience.”
The survey of 562 residents was conducted by Leger from Jan. 12 to 14.