Yarmouth airport to take off as Halifax-Portland hub

The province is spending $2 million to help bring daily air service back to the Yarmouth airport.

Richard Hurlburt, minister of Service Nova Scotia and municipal relations, made the announcement Tuesday, saying it will create new business opportunities for the area.

The fund will operate for five years to help set up two daily flights to Halifax and Portland, Me., starting in February. The service will be operated by Montreal-based Starlink Aviation.

Government and airport officials say the investment will mean jobs, as well as a big boost for business and tourism in Yarmouth and southwest Nova Scotia.

The estimated annual demand for a Halifax-Yarmouth flight is nearly 10,000 passengers a year, according to a study done by the Halifax airport.