Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) has partnered with ViaDirect, specialists in airport digital wayfinding, to modernize passenger orientation across its terminal. The project replaces static navigation with an integrated, multi-platform wayfinding ecosystem. As a result, passenger flow improves, confusion decreases, and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities increase.
The Challenge: Navigation Complexity in a Modern Airport
Airport terminals are constantly changing environments. Gate changes, renovations, retail updates, and flight schedule modifications quickly make static signage and printed maps outdated. Therefore, YHZ needed a scalable and real-time solution that could adapt instantly.
In addition, the airport wanted a platform accessible to every passenger profile. This included travelers with reduced mobility (PRM), elderly passengers, and visitors who do not rely on smartphones.
The Solution: A Phygital Wayfinding Ecosystem
This was achieved through a multi platform approach:
ViaDirect deployed a three-channel wayfinding system at Halifax Stanfield:
- Interactive 3D Wayfinding Kiosks — Custom-built, ADA-compliant kiosks with 3D terminal maps provide on-site, touchscreen navigation for all passenger profiles, including those who cannot rely on personal devices.
- QR Code Mobile Wayfinding — Passengers scan a QR code to access a real-time, geolocated terminal map on their smartphones — no app download required. This cost-effective solution ensures seamless guidance throughout the terminal.
- Pre-Trip Web Map (iFrame Integration) — An embeddable interactive map on the YHZ website lets travelers explore the terminal, locate gates, retail, F&B, and services before arriving at the airport.
Real-Time Data Synchronization and Uptime
ViaDirect manages the full technology stack, hardware, software, network connectivity, and 24/7 monitoring, with a 99.9% uptime SLA. Gate changes, flight updates, and terminal modifications are synchronized in real time, ensuring passengers always receive accurate information regardless of which channel they use.
Turning Navigation into a Revenue and Insights Tool
Beyond passenger orientation, the ViaDirect platform functions as a live analytics center. Through Looker Studio integration, Halifax Airport gains access to behavioral data including:
- Most-visited terminal zones
- Peak congestion times
- Retail and F&B engagement rates
These insights allow airport operations and commercial teams to make data-driven decisions that increase visibility for travel retailers and grow non-aeronautical revenue streams.
Why ViaDirect for Airport Wayfinding
ViaDirect specializes exclusively in maps, signage, and digital wayfinding for airports, shopping centers, and public venues. Unlike generic digital signage providers, ViaDirect designs, manufactures, deploys, and operates its own systems, from custom kiosk hardware to cloud-based map management ensuring end-to-end accountability and faster issue resolution.
