Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP)

Overview of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) program:

The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), administered by Transport Canada, supports the ongoing safety and operational reliability of Canada’s local and regional airports. Since its establishment in 1995, ACAP has been instrumental in helping airports address capital funding gaps related to safety, accessibility, and equipment modernization. The program is targeted at smaller airports that do not have access to sufficient revenues to fund essential infrastructure on their own. ACAP offers financial support for capital projects that directly contribute to maintaining or improving airport safety. These projects typically include runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting systems upgrades, airside pavement improvements, safety-related equipment purchases (such as snowplows and rescue vehicles), and wildlife control fencing. The program ensures that smaller airports can continue to serve the transportation needs of their communities, especially in remote and regional areas. Only airports included in the National Airports System (NAS) or those receiving year-round commercial passenger service (minimum of 1,000 enplaned passengers annually) are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the safety impact and urgency of the proposed project. While the program typically covers up to 100% of eligible project costs, Transport Canada conducts thorough evaluations of technical merit and financial need before approving applications. Applications are accepted during a designated intake period each year.

Benefits of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) program:

• Up to 100% funding for eligible safety-related infrastructure projects
• Support for capital repairs and maintenance critical to safe airport operations
• Eligible equipment includes snow removal vehicles, fire trucks, lighting systems, fencing, etc.
• Helps smaller airports maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
• Strengthens regional and remote air transportation access
• Enables airports to preserve year-round service to local populations
• Promotes aviation safety and passenger security

Eligibility criteria of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) program:

• Must be a Canadian airport not owned by the federal government
• Must be open to the public and included in the National Airports System (NAS) or
• Must serve at least 1,000 annual year-round scheduled commercial passengers
• Must demonstrate financial need and inability to self-fund the project
• Projects must be safety-related and fall within approved categories (e.g., runways, taxiways, firefighting equipment)
• Must provide complete technical documentation and justification of project urgency
• Applications are evaluated based on project scope, safety impact, and financial eligibility