Winnipeg Airport: Navigating Efficiently Through Its Gates

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, also known as the Winnipeg International Airport or simply the Winnipeg Airport, is an important transportation hub located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. With a total land area of 1,370 hectares, the airport serves as the primary airport for a large geographical area, including parts of Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut. The airport has a modern terminal building that was opened in 2011, featuring a unique design inspired by the city's landscape and natural environment. This terminal has three levels, with the Arrivals level on the ground floor and the Departures level on the second floor, where all the boarding gates are located. So, how many gates does the Winnipeg Airport have?

Winnipeg Airport's terminal design

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport terminal was designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and Stantec. The terminal's design was inspired by the city of Winnipeg's distinctive landscape and the province of Manitoba's vast prairies and sky. It is a three-level building with Arrivals on Level 1, Departures on Level 2, and an observation lounge on the third level. The terminal is divided into several key areas: the check-in hall, domestic/international departures, and arrivals. The layout is straightforward, with clear signage to help passengers navigate between these sections.

The terminal is designed to be modern and environmentally friendly, and it was the first airport terminal in Canada to be LEED-certified for its environmentally friendly concept, design, construction, and operation. The terminal incorporates many sustainable features, such as high-efficiency lighting and heating systems, and fixtures with reduced water consumption. The natural light, multiple elevators, and improved roadways also contribute to the terminal's modern and efficient design.

The terminal offers a range of amenities and services, including free Wi-Fi, various lounges, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and other retail options. There are also several security checkpoints located throughout the terminal, with a main security checkpoint near the entrance. The terminal is designed to facilitate the efficient flow of passengers, particularly during winter operations when security lines can cause delays.

The Winnipeg Airport Terminal also incorporates accessibility features. For example, orange tiles on walls and floors identify washroom entrances, and all washrooms have open entryways. Elevator locations are distinguished by granite tiles embedded into the floor, and the terminal features two oversized elevators, a pedestrian ramp, and stairs connecting all levels. In addition, the signage in the terminal contains Braille, internationally recognised symbols, and bilingual text to direct passengers to various amenities.

Gate numbers for US, international and domestic flights

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is a seamless gateway to travel, with a modern, environmentally friendly terminal that is easy to navigate. The airport offers a range of amenities, lounges, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and other retail options.

Gate Numbers for US, International, and Domestic Flights

The main terminal at YWG Airport is the central hub for most airlines. The terminal is divided into several key areas: the check-in hall, domestic/international departures, and arrivals. The layout is straightforward, with clear signage to help passengers navigate between these sections. Information desks are conveniently located throughout the terminal.

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge are both situated in the domestic/international departures area. The airport also offers United States border preclearance facilities, streamlining the process for travellers heading to the US.

Winnipeg Airport has several security checkpoints located throughout the terminal. The main security checkpoint is located on the main level near the entrance to the terminal. There are also additional security checkpoints located near the gates for certain airlines. Be sure to check your boarding pass for the correct gate and security checkpoint location.

Passengers who are looking to expedite their security screening process can take advantage of the Fast Track lanes at YWG Airport. These lanes are available to passengers who have purchased a Fast Track pass or who are members of certain airline loyalty programs. The Fast Track lanes are located at the main security checkpoint and at select gates throughout the terminal.

For those travelling with Perimeter Aviation, it is important to note that this airline operates from a separate terminal located 2.6 kilometres south of the main terminal. This smaller, exclusive terminal caters to flights to remote communities and is designed to accommodate the unique needs of these operations.

The terminal's amenities and services

The terminal at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. The terminal, which opened in 2011, is designed with efficiency and environmental sustainability in mind, achieving LEED certification for its environmentally friendly concept, design, construction and operation.

The terminal is divided into three levels: the Arrivals level, the Departures level, and an upper level with an observation lounge. The Arrivals level, located on the ground floor, offers transportation options such as taxi and bus services, as well as a walkway to an adjacent hotel. This level also provides essential services such as ATMs, a parking pay station, an information counter, and check-in desks.

The Departures level is where passengers will find all the boarding gates, with gates 2-12 for departures and gates 15-22 for arrivals. This level caters to a range of traveller needs, including food and drink options, retail concessions, ATMs, currency exchange services, and a lost and found area. For those seeking a quiet space, there is a chapel located on this level as well.

The terminal also boasts a variety of lounges, including the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The Plaza Premium Lounge, open from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm, offers a range of amenities such as food, telephone access, snacks, drinks, television, and Wi-Fi. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, located in the domestic/international departures area, is open from the first departure until the last departure of the day and provides a similar range of services, including food, drinks, newspapers, magazines, and Wi-Fi.

In addition to these lounges, passengers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi provided throughout the entire terminal, as well as several duty-free shops and other retail options. For those travelling with children, there is a play area located in the departures area. The terminal also offers essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and baggage storage.

The terminal at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, offering a range of amenities and services that cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. With efficient wayfinding, modern facilities, and a focus on sustainability, the terminal enhances the overall airport experience for travellers passing through Winnipeg.

The history of the airport

The history of the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) dates back to 1928 when it first opened as Stevenson Aerodrome, named after noted Manitoba aviator and pioneer bush pilot, Captain Fred J. Stevenson. It was Canada's first international airport, with Northwest Airways inaugurating a passenger and mail service between Winnipeg and Pembina, North Dakota, in 1931.

In 1936, the City of Winnipeg and the Rural Municipality of St. James agreed to develop Stevenson Field as a modern municipal airport. Two years later, the Manitoba Legislative Assembly passed the St. James–Winnipeg Airport Commission Act, establishing a commission with full control over airport operations. During World War II, the Canadian government placed the airport under the direction of the Minister of Transport and the Royal Canadian Air Force, where it remained until 1997.

In 1940, Trans-Canada Air Lines operated daily round-trip transcontinental services across Canada via the airport, with a routing of Montreal–Ottawa–North Bay–Kapuskasing–Wagaming–Winnipeg–Regina–Lethbridge–Vancouver. The airport also served as a hub for Northwest Airlines, which operated daily services to various destinations in the US.

Stevenson Field was officially renamed Winnipeg International Airport in 1962. The original main terminal building, designed by Green Blankstein Russell and Associates, opened in 1964 and was widely recognised as one of the finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in Canada. It featured a minimalist, rectilinear steel-and-glass structure with sophisticated detailing and incorporated Canadian and internationally designed furniture and contemporary art.

The airport underwent renovations and expansions between 1986 and 1994, with the work being sensitive to the original design. In 1997, the airport was transferred to the control of the Winnipeg Airports Authority. The original main terminal was closed and demolished in 2011, and a new main terminal, designed by Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and Stantec, was constructed in two phases, opening in 2011. This new terminal was the first in Canada to be LEED-certified for its environmentally friendly concept, design, construction, and operation.

The airport's accessibility features

The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is equipped with a range of accessibility features to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers. Here is an overview of the airport's accessibility features:

Wayfinding and Signage

The terminal's design incorporates intuitive wayfinding cues, making it easier for passengers to navigate and locate important facilities. The terminal has two levels: the Arrivals Level 1 on the ground floor and the Departures Level 2, accessible via an elevated roadway. Clear signage is used throughout the terminal, with braille, internationally recognised symbols, and bilingual text directing passengers to various amenities.

Entrance and Exit Doors

The terminal features three entrance/exit doors on each level. The middle entrances are power-assisted revolving doors, while all other entrances have motion-sensored, oversized sliding doors.

Parking and Elevators

The Parkade adjacent to the terminal offers convenient parking options, including two oversized elevators, a pedestrian ramp, and stairs connecting all levels. Additional parking options are available, along with online booking for added convenience.

Assistance Services

The airport provides assistance services for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Passengers can request curbside assistance by using the digital accessibility kiosks located in the Departures Level drop-off area or by calling 204-987-9798. A representative will be dispatched within five minutes to help passengers from the curb to their respective check-in counters.

Washrooms

Washroom entrances are identified by orange tiles on the walls and floors. All washrooms have open entryways, and most feature water fountains at their entrances. Separate family washrooms are also available to accommodate diverse user needs, including parents with children or individuals with attendants.

Elevator Locations

Elevator locations are indicated by granite tiles embedded into the floor. Upon entering the terminal, passengers can find the elevator on the west side of the building or to the left of Door 3.

Flight Information

Approachable monitors displaying flight information are located on all levels and areas of the terminal. For those who require flight details over the phone, the Information Booth can be reached at 204-987-9402.

Visual Information Displays

In addition to flight information, the terminal features visual displays that show messages and important updates in text format with accompanying graphics.

Security Screening

During security screening, passengers can request privacy by informing the agent. Designated rooms are available for private security screening. Check-in counters and kiosks are accessible from both standing and seated positions. For further assistance, passengers can visit the Travellers' Aid kiosk, located near Door 1 on Departures Level 2.

Baggage Claim

An audible alarm and a flashing light signal when the baggage belt starts moving. Checked luggage is delivered to the baggage claim area, where assistance can be requested by asking an airline representative near the baggage carousel or by calling 204-987-9798.

Therapy Dogs

The airport also offers the comfort of therapy dogs guided by friendly volunteers from St. John Ambulance. Passengers are welcome to approach and interact with these furry friends while waiting for their flights.

Frequently asked questions