Amid the strike-related gloom, Brussels Airport received a strategic boost: Air Canada confirmed it will launch thrice-weekly non-stop flights to Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 19 June 2026.
Halifax Stanfield is emerging as Atlantic Canada’s tech and life-sciences hub, and the new connection will shave at least four hours off current one-stop itineraries via Montreal or Toronto. Belgian multinationals Umicore and Solvay, both of which operate R&D centres in the region, told The Brussels Times they expect to shift 60 % of their engineer rotations onto the direct service.
![Air Canada adds Brussels–Halifax route, deepening trans-Atlantic talent links]()
For Belgian expatriates, the route offers a lower-cost gateway to Canada’s soon-to-launch Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers to reside in the country for up to two years while remaining employed abroad. Halifax’s provincial immigration office confirmed that candidates arriving on the Brussels flight will be able to complete biometrics on-arrival rather than travelling inland.
Belgian exporters also gain: Flemish seafood producers will have a same-day air-cargo option into North America’s largest lobster market. Brussels Airport Cargo said it is negotiating capacity agreements for 10 tonnes per week of chilled freight.
Mobility managers should adjust assignment cost models, as one-way economy fares are expected to start at €375, with premium economy below €1,000—competitive against existing routings via London or Paris.
Halifax Stanfield is emerging as Atlantic Canada’s tech and life-sciences hub, and the new connection will shave at least four hours off current one-stop itineraries via Montreal or Toronto. Belgian multinationals Umicore and Solvay, both of which operate R&D centres in the region, told The Brussels Times they expect to shift 60 % of their engineer rotations onto the direct service.
For Belgian expatriates, the route offers a lower-cost gateway to Canada’s soon-to-launch Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers to reside in the country for up to two years while remaining employed abroad. Halifax’s provincial immigration office confirmed that candidates arriving on the Brussels flight will be able to complete biometrics on-arrival rather than travelling inland.
Belgian exporters also gain: Flemish seafood producers will have a same-day air-cargo option into North America’s largest lobster market. Brussels Airport Cargo said it is negotiating capacity agreements for 10 tonnes per week of chilled freight.
Mobility managers should adjust assignment cost models, as one-way economy fares are expected to start at €375, with premium economy below €1,000—competitive against existing routings via London or Paris.
