Airport History
John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport was first built in October 1940 as a wartime air force training station. Originally designed as a multi-purpose military field, the airport was used for flight training, air navigation, telegraphy, and air gunnery. After World War II, the airport transitioned from a military establishment into a public facility.
Expanding the Hamilton Airport into a regional transportation hub was a dream of many Hamilton Politicians. John Munro, who was born in Hamilton in 1931, was instrumental in turning this dream into a reality.
In the early 1980’s Mr. Munro secured a $55 million federal investment to expand and develop Hamilton International Airport’s existing facilities. In 1981 construction to expand the existing airport began. The expansion plan consisted of:
- Construction of a new east-west runway
- New & improved taxiways
- An extended passenger aircraft apron
- New car parking facilities
- New passenger access roadway to the terminal
- Expanded air terminal building
- A new fire hall and emergency equipment
- Electrical, water and sewage services
Expansion to Hamilton Airport was complete by 1986 and the new facility attracted larger aircraft and accommodated increased passenger and cargo traffic.
On February 15, 1993, a devastating fire destroyed Hangar #3 and one of the Canadian Warplane Heritage hangars. As a result of the fire, and due to the importance and significance of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) in our community, Regional Council announced $12 million would be given to develop a new museum. The new CWHM opened its doors to the public on March 2, 1996.
In 1996, local businessman and builder, Tony Battaglia of WestPark Developments, along with the operational expertise of the Vancouver Airport Authority, Tradeport International Corporation Ltd. were selected by the City of Hamilton to manage and operate the Hamilton International Airport.
Several years later, on Sunday, April 5, 1998 more than 300 Hamiltonians attended a reception to celebrate one of the city’s leading citizens, John C. Munro. Mr. Munro was heavily involved in several major projects throughout Hamilton, including:
- Implementing Canada’s first national Medicare Program
- Developing the Canada Centre for Inland Waters
- Establishing the McMaster School of Medicine
- Bringing the Canadian Centre for Safety and Occupational Health to the City of Hamilton
- Expanding and modernizing Hamilton Harbour
- Development and expansion of Hamilton International Airport
To recognize Mr. Munro’s efforts and commitment, Hamilton International Airport was re-named ‘John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport’ in his honor.
Prior to the partnership between the City of Hamilton and Tradeport, Hamilton International Airport operated at a loss of almost $1 million annually. Presently, Hamilton International Airport generates a profit at no cost to taxpayers, increases the airport-related workforce, and significantly improves both passenger and cargo business. Today the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is Canada’s largest courier/cargo airport and a growing passenger airport.