A newly extended runway officially opened at Halifax Stanfield International Airport Monday.

The longer runway can now be used by a new generation of larger, wide-body jets.

The airport's main runway has been lengthened by more than 500 metres to 3,200 metres. The project took more than a year to complete and the runway opened for use in November.

The work included paving new service roads and replacing navigational aids, including new high-intensity lights at the north end of the runway.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay was on hand for the ceremony, as was Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter.