Airports Capital Assistance Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Airports Capital Assistance Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Airports Capital Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Airports Capital Assistance Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Airports Capital Assistance Program?

Airports Capital Assistance Program is funded by Transport Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Airports Capital Assistance Program program?

To be eligible for the Airports Capital Assistance Program program, you must: • The applicant must be the owner or operator of an eligible airport. • Airport activity is based on the average number of scheduled commercial passengers from the last 3 calendar years. • The airport must adhere to safety improvement and maintenance requirements.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Airports Capital Assistance Program?

You can contact Transport Canada.

Q: Where is the Airports Capital Assistance Program available?

The Airports Capital Assistance Program program is available across Canada.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Transport Canada funds airport safety capital projects.

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2023
Closing date : December 31, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) by Transport Canada supports eligible airports with funding for capital projects aimed at maintaining and enhancing safety, offering up to 100% funding for projects based on the volume of commercial passenger activity. Eligible activities include airside rehabilitation, air terminal rehabilitation, and the acquisition of mobile equipment, with higher funding levels available for airports north of the 60th parallel.

Activities funded

The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) aims to maintain and enhance airport safety through capital project funding. Eligible activities include various rehabilitation and equipment projects that meet specific criteria.

Airside rehabilitation projects focused on repairing or improving the physical infrastructure used for aircraft operations.
Air terminal rehabilitation projects aimed at maintaining and upgrading facilities used for passenger processing and comfort.
Acquisition of mobile equipment required for the safe and efficient operation of airport activities.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) concern the status of the applicant and the airport’s activity.

The applicant must be the owner or operator of an eligible airport.
The airport must have a record of scheduled commercial passengers according to Statistics Canada data for the last 3 calendar years.

Who is eligible?

Any owner or operator of an eligible airport may apply for funding under the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

Eligible expenses

The grant covers eligible project costs related to specific airport capital projects.

Costs for airside rehabilitation projects incurred and paid based on invoices or proof of payment.
Costs for air terminal rehabilitation projects incurred and paid based on invoices or proof of payment.
Costs for mobile equipment projects, including eligible taxes and shipping.

How to apply

Determine Eligibility

Confirm that your airport meets the eligibility criteria for ACAP funding based on the number of scheduled commercial passengers.

Collect Required Data

Gather data on the airport’s average number of scheduled commercial passengers for the last 3 years from Statistics Canada.
Prepare financial reports for the past 3 calendar years if requested.

Prepare Application

Draft a comprehensive project proposal detailing the safety improvements intended for the airport.
Ensure the proposal aligns with the funding criteria and provides all necessary documentation.

Submit Application

Submit the application through the designated portal or as per the instructions provided by Transport Canada.
Include all necessary attachments and documentation to support the application.

Await Feedback

Receive email updates on the status of your application from Transport Canada.
Be prepared to provide additional information or undergo a technical review if required.

Sign Contribution Agreement (if approved)

Receive the contribution agreement detailing the scope, funding amount, and conditions.
Review, sign, and return the agreement to proceed with funding.

Additional information

Additional relevant details for this grant include provisions related to funding coverage, application processing, and approval procedures:

Funding levels are determined based on the average number of scheduled commercial passengers from Statistics Canada data over the past three years.
Airports located north of the 60th parallel will receive at least 85% of the approved project costs.
After applying, applicants may be required to provide financial reports for the airport's last three calendar years.
A technical review of the application might lead to requests for further information.
Following project approval, a contribution agreement must be signed, detailing the payment amount and conditions.
Competitive tendering is required for payments, with the possibility of a review of tender documents.
There is a holdback of at least 10% of project funds until proof is provided that the terms of the contribution agreement are met.
For environmental review, guidance will be offered if project activities could negatively affect Indigenous or treaty rights.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Airports Capital Assistance Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Airports Capital Assistance Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.