
Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP)
Last Update: September 29, 2025
Canada
Supports large Canadian airports with safety and connectivity investments
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) provides up to $489.6 million over five years to support major Canadian airports in undertaking critical safety, security, and mass transit connectivity projects. Eligible activities include runway and lighting rehabilitation, security enhancements, and improvements to airport mass transit connections.
Financing terms and conditions
- Total program funding available is $489.6 million over five years for eligible projects.
Activities funded
- Rehabilitation of airport runways and lighting for improved safety.
- Infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency or airport security.
- Upgrades to improve connections between airports and mass transit systems.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 4,025,000
Replacing taxiway lighting systems to enhance night operations safety
$ 4,870,000
Resurfacing main runway and upgrading edge lighting for winter safety
$ 4,800,000
Upgrading terminal access to accommodate direct LRT station connection
$ 2,870,000
Installing biometric security gates at key terminal checkpoints
$ 4,200,000
Constructing a new bus rapid transit (BRT) transfer facility at airport
$ 3,695,000
Modernizing baggage screening areas with advanced CT scanner equipment
Eligibility
- The applicant must be the owner and/or operator of a National Airport System (NAS) airport with annual passenger volumes of over 525,000 passengers as of December 2019.
- Alternatively, the applicant can be the owner and/or operator of a non-NAS airport with annual passenger volumes of over 525,000 passengers as of December 2019.
- The proposed project must focus on critical infrastructure related to safety, security, or improving connectivity to mass transit at the airport.
Who is eligible?
- Owners or operators of National Airport System (NAS) airports with over 525,000 annual passengers (as of December 2019)
- Owners or operators of non-NAS airports with over 525,000 annual passengers (as of December 2019)
Eligible expenses
- Expenses related to runway and lighting rehabilitation for safety purposes.
- Costs associated with infrastructure improvements that enhance security at airports.
- Investments to improve connectivity between airports and mass transit systems.
Eligible geographic areas
- Airports across Canada meeting program criteria.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review Program Details and Eligibility
- Consult the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) webpage for detailed program guidelines and eligibility requirements.
- Identify if your airport and proposed project align with the funding objectives (safety, security, or mass transit connectivity).
- Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
- Prepare supporting documents describing the project, objectives, benefits, and projected outcomes.
- Compile relevant financial information, as required by Transport Canada.
- Step 3: Prepare and Complete Application
- Access the online application process or follow the instructions provided on the Transport Canada ACIP program website.
- Fill out the application form with all required information and attach supporting materials.
- Step 4: Submit Application to Transport Canada
- Submit the completed application form and documentation to Transport Canada as directed on the ACIP program webpages.
Additional information
- The program is funded by Transport Canada.
- Total funding available is $489.6 million over five years.
- The program aims to address financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on eligible airports.
- The program is part of a broader government strategy to ensure choice, connectivity, and affordable air travel in Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP). 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.
What is the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP)?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP)?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP)?
Who is eligible for the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) program?
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Where is the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP) available?
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