A cultural welcome unfolds at Halifax Stanfield’s new International Connections Facility

(NEWS) NOVA SCOTIA, Canada, 2026-Jan-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Halifax International Airport Authority is redefining the first moments of arrival in Atlantic Canada with the completion of its International Connections Facility at Halifax Stanfield, a project that blends modern aviation infrastructure with a powerful sense of place rooted in Mi’kmaq culture. Based on details shared through official announcement, the newly opened International Arrivals space marks the final phase of the multi-year development and positions the airport as both a functional gateway and a cultural introduction to Mi’kma’ki.

The redesigned facility places Indigenous identity at the heart of the international arrivals experience. Shaped through extensive consultation with Mi’kmaq communities, the space showcases commissioned works by local Mi’kmaq artists, ensuring that travellers arriving from around the world encounter Nova Scotia through stories, symbols and materials deeply connected to the land’s first peoples.

One of the most striking features is a 26-foot flooring centrepiece created by Eskasoni-based artist Stephen Francis. His eight-pointed star, a traditional symbol representing the sun and the districts of Mi’kma’ki, anchors the space while also serving as a personal tribute to generations of ancestors who shaped his journey. For arriving passengers, the artwork functions as both a visual landmark and a cultural welcome.

Elsewhere in the arrivals hall, a living wall of plants introduces natural texture, complemented by vivid artwork from Millbrook artist Alan Syliboy. Inspired by ancient petroglyphs, his designs explore themes of family, spirituality, unity and strength, while a series of drums from his Daily Drum collection line the upper walls, reinforcing the rhythm and continuity of Mi’kmaq storytelling within a contemporary setting.

Beyond its cultural dimension, the International Connections Facility is a strategic infrastructure investment. Supported by funding from Transport Canada, the Government of Nova Scotia and the Halifax International Airport Authority, the project strengthens Halifax Stanfield’s ability to handle growing passenger volumes, improve international-to-domestic connections and expand cargo capacity. These upgrades are designed to enhance efficiency while reinforcing the airport’s role as a key Canadian gateway.

The project was delivered through close collaboration between airport planners, government partners, community advisors and cultural facilitators, translating Halifax Stanfield’s broader thematic vision into a functional and welcoming arrival experience. As international travel continues to rebound, the new facility reflects a broader shift in airport design — one that prioritises not just movement and security, but also meaning, identity and a strong sense of arrival.