London, Ontario's Airport: What's The Deal?

London, Ontario, Canada, is served by London International Airport (IATA: YXU, ICAO: CYXU), which is located 5.8 miles northeast of the city. The airport was listed as the 17th busiest airport in Canada in 2023 in terms of aircraft movements, and offers year-round flights with Air Canada Express and WestJet.

London International Airport's history

London, Ontario, is home to the London International Airport, which is known for its convenient flights and affordable parking. It is often confused with the bigger London, but London, Ontario, is known as the Forest City and the City of Music, halfway between Toronto and Detroit. The airport code YXU is unique to London International Airport, which is known as Southwestern Ontario's "easy and comfortable" airport.

The history of London International Airport dates back to the 1980s when the London Docklands, an area in the east of the city, was undergoing an extensive urban regeneration project. As part of this program, the idea of a small airport was first proposed in 1981. A survey conducted among nearby residents found that the majority of the local population was in favour of its construction. Planning permission for the airport was granted in May 1985, and construction began just three months later, with Prince Charles laying the foundation stone of the terminal building.

London City Airport, as it was initially called, opened its doors to its first arrival in May 1987, with commercial services commencing the following October. The airport was officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth III in November 1987. In its early years, the airport had a short runway of 1,080 meters, which allowed small aircraft like the Dash 7 and Dornier 228 to operate. The runway was extended in 1992 to a length of 1,508 meters, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

Over the years, London International Airport has continued to grow and expand its services. In 2024, the airport was recognized with the Corporate Icon Award for its exceptional dedication to enhancing the community's image, driving economic growth, and making significant contributions over the years. The airport offers convenient flights to various destinations, including sunny spots like Cancun, Varadero, and Orlando.

Location and classification

London, Ontario, Canada, is served by London International Airport (IATA: YXU, ICAO: CYXU). The airport is located 5.8 miles northeast of the city of London and is classified as an airport of entry by Transport Canada.

The airport was listed as the 17th busiest airport in Canada in 2023 in terms of aircraft movements, with 102,122 flights. It posted a record 683,000 travellers in 2019 and 332,447 passengers in 2023. It is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), with CBSA officers able to handle aircraft with up to 180 passengers, or 450 if the aircraft is unloaded in stages.

The original London Airport was replaced in 1935, with site surveys and consultations taking place before work began on a new airport near Crumlin in September 1939, at the start of World War II. The new airport was leased to the Government of Canada, Department of Transport, in January 1940, and runways were paved and ready for use by July. The Royal Canadian Air Force established RCAF Station Crumlin on part of the airport, which hosted No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School and No. 4 Air Observer School, both part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

The airport has been improved since World War II as navigation and air traffic control systems evolved and commercial aircraft became larger. Improvements include the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) on runway 14-32 in 1950, the lengthening of runway 14-32 to accommodate larger aircraft in 1955 and again in 1974, and the opening of a Meteorological Branch weather station in 1960. In 1998, control of the airport was transferred from Transport Canada to the Greater London International Airport Authority.

Airlines operating at the airport

London, Ontario, Canada, is served by London International Airport (IATA: YXU, ICAO: CYXU), which is located 5.8 miles northeast of the city. The airport is a convenient travel hub for the city and the surrounding area, providing easy access to major highways.

London International Airport offers a range of affordable flights with different airlines, allowing travellers to explore new destinations without sacrificing quality or convenience. The airport is served by multiple carriers that provide competitive rates, giving travellers options for both domestic and international travel.

London International Airport partners with several airlines, including Air Canada Express, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, and Flair Airlines. These airlines offer direct flights to various destinations, including Toronto, Calgary, Cancun, Vancouver, and Orlando. The airport also has connections to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

In addition to these airlines, London International Airport is also served by Trek Aviation, which provides aircraft maintenance and consulting services, and Flite Line Services London, a Shell-affiliated fixed-base operator. The airport is home to the annual Airshow London, showcasing military aircraft from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

London International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when the city decided to replace the original London Airport. The current airport site was selected, and work began in 1939, with the airport opening in 1941. It has been continuously improved over the years to accommodate larger aircraft and evolving aviation technology.

Hotels near the airport

London, Ontario does have an airport, the London International Airport (YXU). The airport is located 5.8 miles northeast of the city of London, Ontario.

Best Western London Airport Inn & Suites

Best Western London Airport Inn & Suites is located on Dundas Street at Veterans Memorial Parkway in the Argyle Mall retail district, just north of Highway 401. It is the closest hotel to London International Airport and provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. The hotel features an indoor saltwater pool, a fitness centre, and 24-hour facilities including a business centre, a sundry shop in the lobby, and guest laundry services. A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is also offered, including fresh-baked pastries and breads, sausage, ham or bacon, and home-style cooked eggs. The hotel provides unique conference rooms that can accommodate 10 to 60 people, making it a great option for business travellers.

Travelodge by Wyndham London Ontario

The Travelodge by Wyndham London Ontario is another option located near the London International Airport. A verified traveller praised the hotel, stating that they received more than their money's worth. The room included a queen bed, a hot tub, and a spacious bathroom. The hospitality was amazing, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Airport improvements and upgrades

London International Airport (YXU) in Ontario, Canada, has been continuously improved since World War II. As larger commercial aircraft were introduced, the airport had to adapt its navigation and air traffic control systems.

Some of the improvements over the years include:

• Installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) on runway 14-32 in 1950.
• Runway 14-32 was lengthened to 6,000 feet in 1955 to accommodate the Vickers Viscount.
• A Meteorological Branch weather station was opened in 1960.
• Runway 14-32 was lengthened again in 1974, this time to 8,800 feet, to accommodate DC-8, Boeing 707 and 747, and L-1011 aircraft.
• In 1998, control of the airport was transferred from Transport Canada to the Greater London International Airport Authority.
• The main terminal building was completely renovated and expanded in 2003.
• In 2023, the airport began a $90 million runway rehabilitation project, which included repaving 80,000 square yards of its southernmost runway (8R-26L), rehabilitating adjacent taxiways, and installing LED lighting.

In addition to these past improvements, the airport is also currently looking at further rehabilitating its runways and upgrading one of its taxiways. London International Airport is now part of the Southern Ontario Airport Network, a group of eleven airports dedicated to effectively managing demand for air travel in the region. This network aims to avoid congestion by having airports work together rather than compete. As part of this, London International Airport is hoping to increase its number of flights, particularly to the US and other domestic destinations.

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