Buffalo Airport is looking to make inroads into the lucrative Southern Ontario travel market.
Airport officials say a recent survey found that 55% of Hamilton Niagara residents said that, given the potential cost savings and reduced wait times at BUF, they are likely to consider crossing the border for a flight. Thirty five per cent of those surveyed in the GTA said the same.
“The survey findings are in line with BUF’s projection of over one million Canadians flying from Buffalo Airport this year. Once you arrive at the airport, your average time to your departure gate is 12 minutes,” said Pascal Cohen, senior marketing manager at BUF.
“Thirty-five per cent of originating passengers at Buffalo Airport are Canadians, representing a substantial portion of our clientele. This translates to an impressive one million Canadians choosing Buffalo Airport for their flights,” he said.
Buffalo Airport boasts 75 daily non-stop flights, “with 16.5 flights daily to and from New York City, and 6.5 daily flights to and from Orlando.” BUF plans to introduce daily flights in April to PHX and NAS.
Canadians can book their flights aboard American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United and Vacation Express by Sunwing.
“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 said.
“Southern Ontarians have to bear some of the highest travel costs in the country, 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,” he added.
Cohen said opting for a domestic flight within the U.S. eliminates the need for Customs and Immigration stops, and international taxes and fees. (Anyone driving to BUF would, however, have to clear Customs at one of the land crossings to the U.S., which can take considerable time.)
Recognizing travel challenges, Cohen said BUF enhances passenger experience through real-time updates on its website regarding traffic situations.
The survey was commissioned by Buffalo Airport and conducted by Leger from January 12-14, 2024.
