The mayor of St. John’s says improving air access is essential in order to compete with other larger municipalities.

Mayor Danny Breen says more direct connections to places like New York and European countries is critical to economic growth in the capital city and province as a whole.

Without these key routes, cities like St. John’s can fall behind other cities.

Breen says increased air access is needed in order for St. John’s to sit on par with cities like Stavanger and Halifax. He supports the St. John’s International Airport Authority and government’s efforts in working together in attempts to fill the gaps.