The St. John’s International Airport Authority is hinting that more new routes could be added in the near future.

Porter Airlines, which currently services Halifax and Toronto from YYT, will add a direct flight to Ottawa starting in June.

Dennis Hogan, CEO of the airport authority, says Porter’s expansion falls in line with the increased traffic levels being reported in the post-pandemic era.

Hogan expects a couple of more routes will be added to the airport in the near future, but they’re holding their cards close to their chest until contracts are signed.

“We really don’t want to get ahead of ourselves until things are signed in terms of contractual obligations, but I am optimistic that you will see more good news in terms of the expansion of air access at YYT,” says Hogan.

While the airport won’t say what routes they’re hoping to add, Hogan says they’re committed to reinstating a direct connection to the eastern United States, something that hasn’t been offered since the direct run to Newark, N.J. almost a decade ago.

“We’ve been exploring that option for some time now and [we’re] very hopeful we’ll be able to get something comparable in place given that we know the demand is there and it was something we had in the past,” says Hogan.

“In the coming months we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to make some progress there.”