Calgary Airport: A Sprawling Hub For Travelers

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary, Canada. Covering an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 sq mi; 5,144 acres; 2,082 ha), it is one of the busiest airports in Canada. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations since its early beginnings in 1914, when it occupied just one-square kilometre. Today, it boasts a vast array of shops, restaurants, and lounges, as well as a long runway that is the longest in Canada.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is 20.82 sq km

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a bustling hub, covering 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 square miles). With a busy schedule of around 19 million passengers in 2024 and 202,497 aircraft movements in 2023, it is the fourth busiest airport in Canada. The airport has expanded significantly over the years, with a $2 billion expansion programme doubling the airport's size, adding nearly 2 million square feet and 22 new aircraft gates.

YYC is located around 17 kilometres northeast of downtown Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. The airport has a long history, with the first airport serving Calgary opening in 1914 in the neighbourhood of Bowness. This original airport was just one square kilometre and consisted of a hut and a grass runway. Operations moved in 1928 to an airport named Old Banff Coach Road Airport, but issues with turbulence meant another airport had to be built soon after. The Calgary Municipal Airport, or Stanley Jones Airport, opened in Renfrew in 1929.

The airport has continued to grow and develop, with a new terminal opening in 1977, and a new air traffic control tower in 1992. The Calgary Airport Authority has also been responsible for significant upgrades, including the construction of a new runway, the longest in Canada at 4,300 metres, and a new roadway tunnel. The airport also has a new cargo facility, and the ongoing International Terminal Expansion will further increase the size of the airport.

YYC offers a range of amenities, including dozens of restaurants, shops, and lounges, as well as hotels such as the Marriott and the Delta Hotel. The airport also has a unique art collection, featuring works by Cree artists, and a one-of-a-kind Coca-Cola mural.

It is Canada's third-busiest airport

The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is Canada's third-busiest airport, serving over 15 million travellers a year. It is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary, covering an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 sq mi; 5,144 acres; 2,082 ha).

YYC is Western Canada's best-connected airport, with flights connecting to any major city in the world with just one stop. The airport has a vast range of amenities, including dozens of restaurants, shops, and four world-class lounges. It also features artwork from local artists, such as Cree artists Stewart Steinhauer and Jason Carter, and a one-of-a-kind mural created in collaboration with Coca-Cola.

YYC is easily accessible by various transportation options, including taxis, shuttle buses, ride-sharing apps, and Calgary Transit. The airport also has designated pick-up zones for domestic and international arrivals and a Cell Phone waiting lot just off Airport Trail. For those driving to the airport, booking parking in advance is recommended to ensure a spot, especially in the covered parkade near the terminal.

Calgary International Airport has undergone significant expansion and improvement projects. One notable project is the $620-million Parallel Runway Project, which resulted in the construction of runway 17L/35R, the longest runway in Canada at 14,000 feet (4,300 metres). Another significant project is the ongoing International Terminal Expansion, a $2 billion program expected to double the size of the existing facility, adding nearly two million square feet and 22 new aircraft gates.

It is 17km from downtown Calgary

The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 miles) northeast of downtown Calgary. It is one of Canada's busiest airports, serving over 15 million travellers a year and offering nonstop flights to destinations across North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. The airport covers an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 square miles) and is accessible by taxi, shuttle bus, ride-share, and Calgary Transit.

YYC boasts a wide range of restaurants, shops, and lounges, as well as unique artwork and photo opportunities. The airport also offers a Cell Phone waiting lot just off Airport Trail, where you can wait for free until your ride is ready to head to the pick-up zone.

Calgary International Airport has a long history, with the first airport serving the city opening in 1914 in the neighbourhood of Bowness. This original airport consisted of a hut and a grass runway, occupying just one square kilometre (0.39 square miles). Operations later shifted to a new airport in 1928, named Old Banff Coach Road Airport, due to issues with turbulence. However, the current location of the airport can be attributed to the construction of the Calgary Municipal Airport, also known as the Stanley Jones Airport, in the neighbourhood of Renfrew in 1929.

Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and improvements, including the opening of a new terminal in 1977 and the addition of new runways and control towers. The Calgary Airport Authority has played a crucial role in the airport's development, initiating projects such as the Parallel Runway Project, which constructed the longest runway in Canada at 4,300 metres (14,000 feet) in 2014. The airport is also undergoing an International Terminal Expansion, adding nearly two million square feet and further enhancing its position as a premier shopping destination.

It has a 4.3km long runway

The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a busy airport in Canada, located about 11 miles (17 kilometres) northeast of downtown Calgary. It is one of Canada's busiest airports and the primary airport serving the city of Calgary, Alberta.

YYC boasts a 4.3-kilometre-long runway, which is quite impressive and is, in fact, the longest runway in all of Canada. This massive runway is a part of the airport's $2 billion expansion programme, which also includes a new international terminal, adding nearly two million square feet of space and 22 new aircraft gates. This expansion essentially doubled the airport's capacity, allowing it to accommodate even more passengers and aircraft movements.

The construction of this lengthy runway, named runway 17L/35R, was initiated by the Calgary Airport Authority as the Parallel Runway Project. It began in April 2011 and was completed on June 28, 2014, with a total cost of $778 million. This project was a significant undertaking, not just because of the runway's length but also because of the additional construction required. A $370 million, six-lane roadway tunnel, stretching 2,030 feet (620 metres), was built underneath the runway to connect major roads.

The 4.3-kilometre runway at YYC is a testament to the airport's growth and development, ensuring it can handle the region's increasing demand for air travel, driven by the petroleum and tourism industries. This expansion has transformed Calgary International Airport into a premier shopping destination, with over 135 shops and services for travellers to enjoy.

The airport has shops, restaurants and lounges

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is one of Canada's busiest airports and the largest in Western Canada. It covers an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 sq mi; 5,144 acres; 2,082 ha) and is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of downtown Calgary.

YYC boasts a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and lounges to suit every traveller's needs. The airport terminal is home to dozens of restaurants, including the Vin Room, Canada's largest wine bar, and the LB Taphouse, which offers a great menu and local beer flavours. For coffee lovers, there's also Deville, a local coffee concept that has recently opened.

Calgary's vibrant brewing scene is well represented at the airport, with the Last Best Brewing & Distilling taphouse showcasing some of the city's best craft beers. In addition to the restaurants, YYC also has several shops and services, making it a premier shopping destination. With over 135 shops, travellers can enjoy a range of options, from local boutiques to international brands.

The airport also features four world-class lounges, offering a quiet and comfortable space to relax or work. For those who want to stay close to the airport, there are also hotel options, such as the in-terminal Marriott and the Delta Hotel, providing a convenient and fast commute.

YYC also offers unique photo opportunities, especially in the connection corridor between Concourses B and C, where you can capture stunning views of the airfield, the city of Calgary, and even the Canadian Rockies on a clear day.

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