TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Did you know that Canada is one of the countries with the most airports in the world? According to Statista, the country ranks fifth with over 1,420 airports.
Among these numbers, 13 of them are designated as international airports, according to Canada’s Advisory Circular (AC) No. 302-032. So, in this article, we’ll explore some of Canada’s prominent international airports that serve as important gateways to the world.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport
Our list begins with Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. The airport has been showing its prominence in the history of aviation since its operation in 1938.
According to its official website, the former “Malton Airport” was opened for commercial flights on 13 farmer’s fields. The airport saw its first landing on August 29, 1938, when an American Airways DC-3 landed from Buffalo.
From its humble beginnings, Toronto Pearson has grown into one of the country’s most prominent airports and the second busiest airport in North America for international traffic.
Today, Toronto Pearson International Airport functions not only as a transportation hub but also as a key player in the success of the region.
2. Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of Canada’s major airports and has been in operation since 1931. During its initial operation, YVR had a single runway and welcomed approximately 1,072 passengers, according to its official website.
Today, it is Canada’s second busiest airport, connecting people to more than 118 destinations. To create a great first impression, YVR welcomes passengers with award-winning art and architecture that embodies the culture of British Columbia.
3. Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Another prominent international airport in Canada is Halifax Stanfield (YHZ). Opened in June 1960, this airfield was built by the Department of Transportation but is currently operated by the Halifax International Airport Authority.
YHZ handles both domestic and international flights. But you need to know that it is more than just an airport; it is also an important community and economic asset to the region.
4. Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) has been in the aviation business for more than 80 years. The airport began operations on September 1, 1941, and its runways were initially used for military purposes.
Today, Montréal-Dorval International Airport plays a vital role in tourism and business travel. YUL welcomes approximately 13 million passengers a year, connecting them to 130 destinations.
5. Ottawa McDonald-Cartier International Airport
Located in the south end of Ottawa, this airport was established in the 1920s and was formerly known as Hunt Club Field. The airport began offering civilian air service in the late 1950s, although military traffic was still in operation.
Soon, air traffic began to increase and construction of a new terminal started in 1957. Subsequently, the airport officially changed its name to what we know today as Ottawa McDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) on August 24, 1964.
Since then, YOW has served as a prominent transportation hub in the country and even recorded its name as Canada’s second busiest airport in 2022.
6. Calgary International Airport
Calgary International Airport (YYC) prioritizes customer-focused services to create an enjoyable flying experience for all passengers. Its journey in aviation history began in 1914 in the community of Bowness.
Today, YYC has grown into one of Canada’s largest aviation hubs with a 4.24-kilometer parallel runway and more than 180 shops, restaurants, and other services. Not to mention, the airfield has contributed much to Calgary’s CA$8 billion GDP, according to its official website, yyc.com.
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
The journey of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) can be traced back to May 1928. In its early years, the airfield consisted of grass and dirt runways on 165 acres of prairie land, a tiny cabin and a 3.6-meter hangar.
From its humble beginnings, YWG has grown into an international travel hub, connecting people with safe flying experiences. According to its 2023 annual report, the airport hosted more than 4 million flyers that year. It also experienced its busiest day on August 14, 2023, with more than 15,000 passengers passing through the main terminal building.
Statista | Go Digit
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