The federal government has kicked in as much as $5 million to help the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support important transportation infrastructure projects.

The funding was announced on August 11.

Nearly $2 million of the funding will come from Transport Canada's Airport Critical Infrastructure Program for critical infrastructure projects to enhance airport safety, including the replacement of an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle and airfield rehabilitation.

The federal government is providing a further $2.6 million from Transport Canada's Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services.

A remaining investment of $500,000 comes from FedDev Ontario's Regional Air Transportation Initiative to provide personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.

"Hamilton International Airport is an integral part of the regional and national economy and is a vital gateway in the community and strategic transportation corridor that it serves,” said airport President and CEO Cathie Puckering. “This funding is critical to rebuild the airport's low-cost leisure air travel and sustain continued growth in the cargo and goods movement sector. We look forward to supporting a robust recovery for Canada, the province, and the City of Hamilton by ensuring critical infrastructure and essential services are maintained in a safe, healthy, reliable and efficient manner."

Funding provided to the airport through the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program covers up to 50 percent of total eligible project expenditures. The airport is expected to provide the remaining funds for the projects.

Launched in May 2021, the federal government’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program aims to distribute $489.6 million in funding over five years to airports to support eligible infrastructure projects related to safety, security or connectivity to mass transit systems.