25 years after 9/11, the ‘Come From Away’ effect has built a new Gander, Newfoundland

Driven by steady population growth, a booming tourism sector, real estate expansion and a growing role as central Newfoundland’s primary economic hub, Gander has systematically rebuilt itself into a modern, self-sustaining community.

From wilderness runway to jet-age decline

Gander’s origins were strictly functional. Construction on what was then called the Newfoundland Airport began in 1936, chosen for its strategic location along transatlantic flight paths. During the Second World War, it served as a vital base for the Royal Air Force Ferry Command, housing thousands of Allied military personnel beside the runways.

In the 1950s, the community physically moved away from the airstrips to establish a formal municipality, incorporated in 1958. During this golden age of aviation, virtually every transatlantic flight required a technical stop, earning Gander the moniker “Crossroads of the World.” World leaders, celebrities and international travelers routinely passed through its iconic modern terminal.

That economic engine slowed dramatically with the advent of long-range commercial jetliners. As documented in aviation history archives, aircraft gained the ability to fly non-stop between European and North American cities, causing Gander’s role as an essential pit stop to evaporate.

For decades, the town adjusted by focusing on air traffic control, corporate jet servicing, military logistics and regional government services.

The catalyst of 2001

When US airspace closed on September 11, 2001, under Operation Yellow Ribbon, Gander’s oversized aviation infrastructure suddenly proved vital once more. The town of roughly 10,000 residents absorbed nearly 7,000 diverted passengers overnight.

The immediate, region-wide humanitarian response by Gander and surrounding communities such as Appleton, Gambo and Lewisporte gained global attention. When the planes were grounded, schools, churches and community centers were converted into temporary housing, while local businesses donated food, clothing and medical supplies.

That moment of crisis laid the groundwork for a major cultural engine: the Canadian musical Come From Away. Created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the production went on to become a runaway international phenomenon. After opening on Broadway in 2017, it ran for over 1,500 performances, earned seven Tony nominations and spawned acclaimed productions in London’s West End, Melbourne, Tokyo and on national tours worldwide, introducing millions of viewers to the small Newfoundland community.

Premiering on Broadway before eventually being staged directly in Gander at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, the show transformed global goodwill into a steady stream of cultural tourism.

Provincial data from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador shows that local runs of Come From Away have drawn over 50,000 theatregoers to Gander across recent seasons, with tens of thousands of travelers visiting specifically to experience the town where the history took place.

Local hotels, restaurants, museums and tour operators have seen a permanent boost in traffic as travellers from around the world flock to central Newfoundland to see the airport, meet residents and explore the town behind the stage production.

While Come From Away established Gander as an international destination and a key driver for Newfoundland’s visitor economy, the theatrical phenomenon also served as a springboard for broader, permanent community development.

Building a modern regional hub

In the 25 years since 9/11, Gander has experienced a sustained demographic and structural expansion.