⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Halifax / Stanfield International Airport

Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
IATA: YHZ ICAO: CYHZ
Longest Active Runway
10,500 ft
3,200 meters
Field Elevation
477 ft
145 m MSL
Runway Inventory
2 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
44.8808°, -63.5086°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#451 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#722 of 7558
Top 9.6% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Canada)
#7 in CA
#11 of 411 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+5%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Halifax / Stanfield International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,500 ft (3,200 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #451. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #722 worldwide (Top 9.6%) and #7 nationally in Canada.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Halifax / Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is Atlantic Canada's intercontinental anchor. Positioned on an elevated plateau 477 ft above sea level, YHZ experiences severe Atlantic maritime weather fronts, dense freezing fog, and winter blizzards. Its 10,500 ft primary runway 05/23 features high-intensity centerline lighting and Category II ILS, making it a critical strategic safety valve for international aircraft transiting North Atlantic tracks.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Dual non-parallel runway configuration: primary Runway 05/23 (10,500 ft / 3,200 m) and secondary Runway 14/32 (7,700 ft / 2,347 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Opened in 1960 replacing Kelly Lake airfield. Named Halifax Stanfield International in 2007; runway 05/23 was extended to 10,500 ft to support heavy transoceanic cargo and diversion emergencies.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Largest and most capable airport in Atlantic Canada, capable of accommodating widebody diversions that cannot land at Moncton (YQM) or St. John's (YYT).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Key eastern North American emergency ETOPS alternate airfield for transatlantic airliners encountering en-route depressurization, engine failure, or medical alerts.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Transport Canada & NAV CANADA · Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) & NAV CANADA AIP
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Halifax / Stanfield International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 477 ft (145 m MSL) in Halifax. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Largest and most capable airport in Atlantic Canada, capable of accommodating widebody diversions that cannot land at Moncton (YQM) or St. John's (YYT). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)

Halifax / Stanfield International Airport's active flight strips comprise 05/23 (10,500 ft), 14/32 (7,700 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,500 ft (3,200 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
05/23 10,500 ft (3200m) 200 ft (61m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active
14/32 7,700 ft (2347m) 200 ft (61m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/yhz.json ↗