International Airports
| Airport Name | City/Province | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson International Airport | Toronto, Ontario | YYZ | CYYZ |
| Vancouver International Airport | Vancouver, British Columbia | YVR | CYVR |
| Montréal-Trudeau International Airport | Montreal, Quebec | YUL | CYUL |
| Calgary International Airport | Calgary, Alberta | YYC | CYYC |
| Edmonton International Airport | Edmonton, Alberta | YEG | CYEG |
| Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport | Ottawa, Ontario | YOW | CYOW |
| Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport | Winnipeg, Manitoba | YWG | CYWG |
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport | Halifax, Nova Scotia | YHZ | CYHZ |
| Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport | Québec City, Quebec | YQB | CYQB |
| St. John’s International Airport | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador | YYT | CYYT |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City/Province | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport | Toronto, Ontario | YTZ | CYTZ |
| Abbotsford International Airport | Abbotsford, British Columbia | YXX | CYXX |
| Kelowna International Airport | Kelowna, British Columbia | YLW | CYLW |
| Victoria International Airport | Victoria, British Columbia | YYJ | CYYJ |
| Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | YXE | CYXE |
| Regina International Airport | Regina, Saskatchewan | YQR | CYQR |
| Thunder Bay International Airport | Thunder Bay, Ontario | YQT | CYQT |
| Charlottetown Airport | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island | YYG | CYYG |
| Whitehorse Erik Nielsen International Airport | Whitehorse, Yukon | YXY | CYXY |
| Yellowknife Airport | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories | YZF | CYZF |
Notes:
- Many international airports also handle domestic flights.
- Several smaller airports, such as Abbotsford and Billy Bishop, serve domestic and regional flights.
Canada Airports: Top 10 Busiest Hubs in 2025
Canada boasts a vast network of airports serving its massive landmass and diverse population. From bustling international hubs to small regional airfields, these facilities play a crucial role in connecting the country’s cities and remote communities.
Canada has 15 international airports that handle most of the country’s air traffic. These major airports form the backbone of Canada’s air transport system, facilitating domestic and international travel for millions of passengers each year. They are part of the National Airports System, which includes the country’s largest and most important air travel facilities.
Beyond the main hubs, Canada has numerous smaller airports and aerodromes scattered across its provinces and territories. These regional airports serve local communities and support essential services like medical evacuations and cargo transport. They help maintain links to remote areas and contribute to the economic development of less populated regions.
Major Canadian Airports
Canada has several large airports that handle millions of passengers each year. These airports serve as important hubs for domestic and international travel, connecting Canada to destinations worldwide.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s busiest airport. Located in Ontario, it serves as a major hub for Air Canada and WestJet. The airport has two main terminals and five runways.
YYZ handles both domestic and international flights. It offers connections to numerous destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. The airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations.
Toronto Pearson has several lounges for premium passengers. It also boasts a wide range of shops and restaurants. The airport is well-connected to the city centre via public transport, including the Union Pearson Express train.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport is the second busiest airport in Canada. It serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest and Asia. YVR has three terminals: domestic, international, and trans-border (US).
The airport is known for its West Coast-inspired architecture and artwork. It features numerous amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. YVR is also home to a large aquarium and several green spaces.
Vancouver International Airport is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet. It offers direct flights to destinations across North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The airport is easily accessible from the city centre via the Canada Line rapid transit system.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, located in Quebec, is Canada’s third busiest airport. It serves as a hub for Air Canada and Air Transat. The airport has a single terminal divided into domestic, trans-border, and international zones.
YUL offers flights to destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations. The airport features numerous shops, restaurants, and lounges for passengers.
Montréal–Trudeau has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including a snow removal system that recycles de-icing fluid. The airport is connected to the city centre via bus services, with plans for a light rail connection in the future.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Calgary International Airport is a major hub in Western Canada. It serves as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and is a base for WestJet. The airport has two terminals: domestic and international.
YYC offers flights to destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its efficient operations and modern facilities. The airport features numerous amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Calgary International Airport has implemented several technological innovations, including self-service kiosks and automated baggage systems. It is connected to the city centre via bus services and the new CTrain light rail system.
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Edmonton International Airport is the primary air passenger and air cargo facility in the Edmonton region of Alberta. It serves as a hub for Flair Airlines and a focus city for WestJet.
YEG offers flights to destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The airport has a single terminal with three concourses. It features a range of shops, restaurants, and lounges for passengers.
Edmonton International Airport is known for its commitment to sustainability. It has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including a solar farm and a natural stormwater management system. The airport is connected to the city centre via bus services.
Operational Considerations for Canadian Airports
Canadian airports face unique challenges due to the country’s vast geography, diverse climate, and regulatory landscape. These factors shape how airports function and serve travellers across the nation.
Regulatory Bodies and Aviation Supplements
Transport Canada oversees airport operations and safety standards. They work with NAV Canada, the private company managing Canada’s civil air navigation system. Airports rely on crucial publications like the Canada Flight Supplement and Water Aerodrome Supplement.
These documents provide vital information for pilots and airport staff. They include details on:
- Runway lengths and conditions
- Navigation aids
- Communication frequencies
- Operating hours
NAV Canada updates these supplements regularly. This ensures pilots have the most current data for safe flights.
Customs, Immigration, and International Travel
Many Canadian airports serve as gateways for international travel. These airports must manage customs and immigration processes efficiently.
Key aspects include:
- Dedicated areas for customs screening
- Specialised staff trained in immigration procedures
- Advanced technology for passport control
Larger airports like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International have streamlined systems. They use automated kiosks to speed up entry for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Smaller airports with international flights face unique challenges. They must balance limited space with the need for thorough security checks.
Air Travel in Remote Communities
Air travel is crucial for many remote Canadian communities. These areas often lack road access, making planes the primary link to larger centres.
Challenges for remote airports include:
- Short runways limiting aircraft types
- Basic terminal facilities
- Harsh weather conditions
Despite these hurdles, air services are vital. They bring in food, medical supplies, and other essentials. Air Canada and WestJet sometimes partner with regional airlines to serve these communities.
Remote airports often double as community hubs. They may house emergency services or act as meeting places. This dual role highlights their importance beyond just air transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian airports handle millions of travellers each year. These airports offer various services and facilities to ensure smooth travel experiences.
What are the busiest airports in Canada?
The busiest airports in Canada include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. These hubs handle the majority of international and domestic flights.
Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport round out the top five busiest airports in the country.
How does one navigate through Toronto Pearson International Airport?
Toronto Pearson International Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Each terminal has clear signage and information desks to help travellers find their way.
The airport offers a free train service called the Terminal Link, which connects both terminals and parking areas. Passengers can also use moving walkways to travel between different areas within each terminal.
Can you provide information regarding customs and immigration procedures at Canadian airports?
When arriving in Canada, travellers must clear customs and immigration. This process involves presenting valid travel documents and declaring any goods brought into the country.
International students may face additional questions at immigration, such as the purpose of their visit and their study plans. It’s essential to have all necessary documents readily available.
Where can travellers find information on airport transfers and transportation in Canadian cities?
Most Canadian airports provide information on ground transportation options on their websites and at information desks within the terminals. These options typically include taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and public transport.
Some airports, like Vancouver International Airport, offer direct rail links to the city centre. Others may have dedicated airport express bus services.
What facilities and services are available for passengers with reduced mobility at Canadian airports?
Canadian airports offer various services for passengers with reduced mobility. These often include wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, and specially trained staff to provide support.
Many airports also have designated drop-off and pick-up areas for passengers with disabilities. It’s advisable to contact the airline or airport in advance to arrange any specific assistance needed.
Are there any specific security measures to be aware of when flying from Canadian airports?
Canadian airports follow strict security protocols. Passengers must go through security screening, which includes X-ray scanning of carry-on bags and walk-through metal detectors.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on bags must adhere to the 100ml rule. Air Canada provides information on specific items allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on their website.
