London Ontario Airport: Size, Significance, And Scope

London International Airport (YXU/CYXU) is located in London, Ontario, Canada, approximately 11 km from the city centre. It is the closest major airport to London, Ontario, and the 12th busiest passenger airport in Canada. The airport is a full-service passenger and freight facility, providing convenient flights and low-cost parking. It is also home to Airshow London, a drive-in air show that showcases aviation power and was named the Best Air Show in North America in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

London International Airport is 11km from London, Canada's centre

London International Airport, also known by its airport codes YXU or CYXU, is located 11km from the centre of London, Canada. The airport is situated northeast of the city of London, in Southwestern Ontario, and is known for being an 'easy and comfortable' airport to fly from. London International Airport provides convenient flights, affordable parking, and a stress-free travel experience for its passengers.

The airport has been recognised for its contributions to the community and economic growth, receiving the Corporate Icon Award in 2024. It also offers year-round flights with Air Canada Express and WestJet, and services for cargo airlines. In 2023, the airport was ranked as the 17th busiest airport in Canada in terms of aircraft movements, with a record number of travellers in 2019.

London International Airport has a rich history, with the city deciding to replace the original London Airport in 1935. Site surveys and consultations were conducted, and construction on a new airport near Crumlin began in September 1939, at the onset of World War II. The airport was leased to the Government of Canada's Department of Transport during the war, and it served both civil and military aviation needs. The airport remained under the control of the Department of Transport even after the war, with improvements made over time, including the opening of the main terminal building in July 1942.

Today, London International Airport continues to serve the region, providing easy access to London, Ontario, and the surrounding areas. The airport is also home to the annual Airshow London, the largest military airshow in Canada, featuring ground and air displays of military aircraft from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

It's the 12th busiest Canadian airport for passengers

London International Airport (YXU/CYXU) is located 11 km from the center of London, Ontario, Canada. It is not just a convenient and comfortable airport for passengers but also a vital hub for general aviation services in Southwestern Ontario. The airport ranks 12th in Canada for passenger traffic and 11th for aircraft take-offs and landings.

London International Airport is home to over 50 businesses, including aircraft manufacturing, flight training, and aircraft maintenance services. Together with its associated businesses, the airport employs over 1200 individuals, making it one of the top 10 employers in the London area. The airport and its businesses generate an economic impact of more than $623 million for the region.

The airport's 24-hour operations, excellent infrastructure, and efficient Canada Customs service make it a valuable asset for the community. London International Airport is recognised as essential to the development and prosperity of the area, with strong support from local business groups and organisations.

In addition to its economic and employment contributions, London International Airport also hosts Airshow London, a drive-in air show that was named the Best Air Show in North America by USA Today's 10Best Contest for three consecutive years (2022-2024). This family-friendly event showcases the aviation industry's power and inspires the community.

It's also the 11th busiest Canadian airport for take-offs and landings

London International Airport (YXU/CYXU) is located 9.3 kilometres northeast of London, Ontario, Canada. It is the closest major airport to the city, situated only 11 kilometres from its centre. The airport has been recognised as a valuable community asset, essential to the development and prosperity of the area.

London International Airport is ranked as the 12th busiest passenger airport in Canada, and the 11th busiest airport in terms of aircraft take-offs and landings. The airport is a hub for general aviation services in Southwestern Ontario, providing aircraft manufacturing, flight training, and aircraft maintenance. It is home to over 50 businesses and generates an economic impact of more than $623 million in the region. The airport and its associated businesses employ over 1,200 individuals, making it one of the top 10 employers in London.

The airport's aggressive and confident approach to fostering economic vitality is evident through its support for various businesses, including its airline partners and tenants. It provides the necessary infrastructure and keeps operations simple and stress-free for passengers. London International Airport also prioritises safety, security, and financial health while promoting values such as fairness, integrity, dignity, and respect.

London International Airport has a rich history, with the first airport established in 1928 on a grass field south of the city. The current site was purchased in 1939, and during World War II, it served as a military training base. Transport Canada assumed operations in 1945 and embarked on a significant expansion programme over the following decades. Today, the airport can accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually and is known for its convenient flights and affordable parking, making it a premier airport in Canada.

The airport is a 15-minute drive from downtown London

The closest major airport to London, Ontario, is London International Airport (YXU/CYXU). The airport is located 11 km from downtown London, which equates to approximately a 15-minute drive.

London International Airport is easily accessible by car, and there are multiple parking options available for those driving to the airport. The airport also has a range of ground transportation options, including taxi services and chauffeur services, which can be booked in advance. These services provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel to and from the airport, offering door-to-door transfers and flight monitoring services.

In addition to its accessibility by road, London International Airport also hosts the annual Airshow London, a drive-in air show event that showcases aviation power in the air and on the ground. The event features various zones, such as the Gold Zone, Red Zone, and Blue Zone, each offering unique viewing experiences and amenities. The airport's proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient location for attendees, with vehicles welcomed airside and directed to their designated parking spots.

London International Airport is a hub for both international and domestic flights, serving as a convenient gateway to the city of London and the surrounding area. The airport's location provides easy access to the city centre, making it a convenient option for travellers looking to explore downtown London and its nearby attractions. Whether arriving by car or utilising the airport's ground transportation services, visitors can quickly reach their desired destinations and enjoy the convenience of a short commute between the airport and the city.

Airshow London is hosted at the airport

London International Airport (YXU/CYXU) is located 11 km from the city centre of London, Ontario, Canada. The airport is the closest major airport to the city and serves the London, Ontario area.

Airshow London, an annual aviation event, is hosted at the London International Airport. The airshow is a drive-in event, with all tickets valid for one vehicle with up to six people. The show features various zones, including the Gold, Red, Blue, Green, Grey, and Purple zones, each offering a unique viewing experience and amenities. The Gold Zone, for example, is located at the front of the line on a closed runway, providing the best view of the show. The Red Zone is also on a closed runway, offering premium viewing, while the Blue Zone provides great viewing from the regular festival grounds. The Green Zone offers affordable parking spots on the grass with a view of the entire event.

The airshow features a range of aerial and ground displays, with headline demo teams and special performances. The transitions between performances are seamless, especially on Friday, coined as the best show day of the weekend. The ground display will be open to all ticket holders, featuring various aircraft, vendors, and merchandise. A free hop-on hop-off trolley will also be available to visit attractions onsite.

Airshow London has received recognition as the "Best Air Show in North America" by USA Today's 10Best Contest in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The event invites the community to celebrate and experience the power of aviation, igniting imagination and inspiring attendees to soar. With its proximity to the city and its reputation as a must-attend family event, Airshow London is a convenient and exciting attraction for aviation enthusiasts and the local community.

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