Published on: November 13, 2025, at 10:41 AM.

Updated on: November 13, 2025, at 10:42 AM.

• Airport Master Plan proposes a $195 million terminal and runway enhancement for Niagara Falls.
• Ontario Premier and Niagara Falls Mayor champion further casino development.
• Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment holds exclusive rights to operate Niagara casinos.

According to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the evolution of Niagara Falls hinges on the development of more casinos, positioning the area as a northern Las Vegas. This initiative begins with enhancements to the airport.

Travelers from the U.S. who frequent the Niagara Falls casinos often find the journey tedious, flying into Toronto’s Pearson Airport and then enduring a two-hour drive to reach their destination.

The Niagara District Airport recently unveiled a comprehensive 2025-2045 Master Plan aimed at transforming the facility, located just 12 minutes from Niagara Falls, from a general aviation hub into a modern regional airport catering to commercial flights from across Canada and the U.S.

Proposed enhancements include a revamped airport terminal, increased parking spaces, runway extension, and amenities from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and Canada Border Services Agency. According to Niagara Economic Development, this overhaul could yield over $1 billion in economic benefits and attract millions of travelers to the region.

$195 Million Airport Upgrade

“As one of Canada’s leading tourist destinations, Niagara deserves an airport that ensures easy access for both national and international visitors to experience our region’s renowned wineries, restaurants, and attractions,” stated Greg Wight, Chair of the Niagara District Airport Commission. “Our airport’s unique location enhances this opportunity significantly.”

The Niagara region attracts approximately 12 million visitors each year, yet tourism growth has stagnated since 2013, as noted by Niagara Economic Development.

The proposed airport renovation, estimated at $195 million, is designed to handle over 600,000 passengers and 50,000 flights annually. The best-case scenario by 2035 anticipates year-round services to two to three Canadian cities, two U.S. major airports (New York and Chicago), and at least two popular warm-weather destinations. Construction outlined in the plan is set to commence in 2029.

Renewed Political Attention on Casino Expansion

The Niagara District Airport Commission has endorsed the Master Plan and is moving forward with subsequent phases, including seeking funding at both provincial and federal levels, engaging airline partners, and initiating community outreach.

“We represent the largest population in Canada [540,000] lacking regular daily scheduled flights,” remarked Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. “This plan serves as our roadmap to achieving that goal.”

Both Mayor Diodati and Premier Ford have consistently expressed their desire to revitalize Niagara Falls, which includes fostering the development of additional casinos.

PENN’s Interest in Canadian Casino Ventures

Currently, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment maintains exclusive rights to manage the two casinos in Niagara Falls until 2040. However, the provincial government is considering changes to this agreement, opening the door for additional operators. The original agreement was established in 2018.

Recently, during a conference call to discuss Q3 2025 financial results, PENN Entertainment President and CEO Jay Snowden was queried about the company’s interest in exploring land-based casino ventures in Canada as a complement to their iGaming platform in the region. TheScore BET, a part of the company, currently holds a license in Ontario and aims to expand to Alberta as the market becomes regulated, likely in 2026. Recall also that MGM Resorts International made a significant push to establish a downtown casino in Toronto in 2013.

“This has been on our radar for some time. There are limited options available. The Canadian retail landscape features just a couple of major players,” he noted.

In Ontario, these entities include Great Canadian Entertainment and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd., alongside Hard Rock, which recently launched a casino in Ottawa, along with Mohegan’s agreement to manage the Niagara establishments.

Last year, Premier Ford emphasized his focus not only on making Niagara Falls a casino-centric destination but also on enhancing it as a broader tourist hotspot. For example, Marineland was shut down in 2024. There are ongoing discussions about the future of the region concerning entertainment options beyond casinos, aiming to create a family-friendly environment. The fate of the 800-acre site located just 10 minutes south of downtown Niagara Falls remains uncertain.