The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) funds rehabilitation projects for local and regional airports and aerodromes.
To receive funding, applicants must show that their project is needed to meet the required level of safety.
Eligibility for funding
Airports that can get funding under this program:
- are not owned or operated by the Government of Canada
- meet federal certification requirements
- offer year-round scheduled commercial passenger service with a minimum of 1,000 passengers per year*Note: If an airport is termed “remote” under the National Airports Policy, the 1,000 passenger per year minimum does not apply. End Note
- serve less than 525,000 passengers per year
*If an airport is termed “remote” under the National Airports Policy, the 1,000 passenger per year minimum does not apply.
A registered aerodrome may be eligible if it is close to certification, and your proposed project will bring it up to certification. We assess this kind of eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions on eligibility
The program will only fund safety projects at airports with commercial passenger services if they are year-round and have regular schedules.
We don’t fund capital infrastructure projects that aren’t safety-related, such as:
- buying land
- doing feasibility, planning or zoning studies
- expanding facilities*Note: We’ll only consider funding expansion projects if you can show that current facilities put safety at risk. End Note
*We’ll only consider funding expansion projects if you can show that current facilities put safety at risk.
We don’t fund projects that have already been started or completed.
Applications cannot exceed $30M.
What you need to know before you start
We consider applications in order of the priorities below. Review this information before applying to understand which priority your project falls under. You must select an application form based on your project’s type and priority.
Priority 1: projects to rehabilitate airside facilities or buy equipment for aircraft rescue and firefighting, such as:
- runways*The ACAP will consider the eligibility of secondary runways at a lower priority level, subject to review, based on the details of wind rose analysis over 25 years, seasonal usability of the main runway, frequency of the use of the secondary runway, and other factors. Please contact the ACAP for further information. End Note, taxiways and aprons
- lighting for runway, taxiway and apron lighting
- visual aids
- sand storage sheds
- aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles and equipment
- aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment shelters
*The ACAP will consider the eligibility of secondary runways at a lower priority level, subject to review, based on the details of wind rose analysis over 25 years, seasonal usability of the main runway, frequency of the use of the secondary runway, and other factors. Please contact the ACAP for further information.
Priority 2: projects to buy heavy mobile equipment, such as:
- runway snow blowers
- runway snow plows
- runway sweepers and spreaders
- winter friction testing devices
- mobile equipment shelters*Please contact the ACAP for information on mobile equipment shelter projects. End Note
*Please contact the ACAP for information on mobile equipment shelter projects.
Priority 3: projects to improve the safety of air terminals, such as:
- improving sprinkler systems
- removing asbestos
- creating barrier-free access
How to apply
To apply for funding:
- Choose a form for the type and priority of project you’re proposing:
- Priority 1: Airside Rehabilitation Application (PDF, 1.6 MB)
- Priority 1: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Application (PDF, 2.1 KB)
- Priority 2: Mobile Equipment Application (PDF, 1.7 MB)
- Priority 3: Air Terminal Rehabilitation Application (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Fill out the form. Attach any supporting documents.
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Submit your form and documents by email or mail.
Email: tc.acap-paia.tc@tc.gc.ca
Executive Director, Operations and Authorities Stewardship
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Place de Ville, Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5 - Send your application no later than June 1 for funding in the next program year. For example, applications received before June 1, 2021 are eligible for funding in 2022-23.
We’ll consider applications we receive after June 1 for the following program year.